Drivers in Oxford are bracing themselves for a London-style congestion charge zone if plans go ahead.
The university city could soon charge drivers for entering six congestion hotspots in a bid to reduce traffic.
Motorists would pay a £5 daily congestion charge to access the city centre, which will operate during peak traffic times.
It aims to reduce traffic, making bus journeys faster and more reliable, allowing new bus routes, making cycling and walking safer and reducing air pollution, Oxford County Council said.
However, the congestion zone would only run temporarily until the council can launch its camera-operated traffic filters in 2026.
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The council said traffic levels and congestion ‘in and around Oxford are high.’
Residents are asked to comment on the proposal as part of a consultation, which opens on June 23 for six weeks.
If given the go-ahead, the Oxford zone would be the first one to launch in 20 years after congestion charges in London and Durham.
The plan has been controversial from the start, with some locals fearing it could be bad for business.
An anti-congestion charge petition spearheaded by independent councillor Saj Malik has reached almost 10,000 signatures.
Local taxi driver Ansar Hussain, 52, said the charge is ‘a bad idea.’
‘They say it is an environmental measure, but eventually all vehicles will be hybrid anyway so I think they are just trying to cash in,’ he said.
‘Look at London. If I didn’t have the cab, I wouldn’t go to London because of ULEZ. If a passenger wants to go, it will be so expensive.’
The Oxford Conservatives said: ‘Many people rely on their cars and local Conservatives are calling on the Liberal Democrats to scrap these plans and stop penalising road users and local businesses, who will be hit hard by these changes.’
Oxford congestion charge locations
The congestion charge would only apply to cars once a day.
Community health and care workers, carers, Blue Badge holders and mobile traders can get a permit, allowing them to pass through the zone without paying the charge.
Here are the charging points in operation every day of the week between 7am and 7pm:
- Hythe Bridge Street
- St Cross Road
- St Clements Street
- St Clements Street
The following charging points will be operational Monday to Saturday between 7am-9pm and 3pm-6pm.
- Marston Ferry Road
- Hollow Way
Meanwhile, Dan Roisier, 41, from Oxford and the owner of a bike-themed Peloton coffee shop, backed the idea.
He said: ‘I think people who are against it often don’t live in the city. I mean, the Lib Dems got a majority on the council with those measures.
‘I cycle to work. I don’t like a city full of cars. But they should have invested more in public transport before bringing it in.’
People reacted to the announcement on social media, and some were not impressed with the plan.
Simon said: ‘Fleecing cash strapped families who rely on cars.’
Heather said: ‘Ridiculous!’
Will said: ‘Shock! The consultation is just ticking a box. It will happen regardless you mark my words.’
Richard wrote: ‘Just get on with it!’
The London congestion charge zone was launched in 2003 during Ken Livingstone’s mayoralship.
But it was Durham leading the way, with a congestion charge introduced in October 2002 – the first-ever in the UK.
The London congestion charge, which applies in central London, is set to rise from £15 to £18 next year.
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