City's congestion charge consultation opens
Getty ImagesA consultation on plans for a £5 congestion charge in Oxford has opened.
Oxfordshire County Council said action was needed due to traffic issues caused by the long-term closure of Botley Road for works.
But it has proved a controversial idea since being announced, with thousands signing a petition in opposition.
The consultation will run for six weeks. The scheme would launch in the autumn and last no longer than two years if adopted.
The charge would apply to car drivers only, and permits would be available for carers, traders, blue badge holders and those commuting to or living in a central area of the city.
The county council said it made the proposal because of delays to a planned trial of traffic filters, which cannot be introduced until Botley Road is reopened.
The route is currently shut because of overrunning works at Oxford Station and the railway bridge, which are now not due to finish until August next year.
The charging points for the congestion zone would be in the same places as the planned traffic filters:
- Hythe Bridge Street
- St Cross Road
- St Clement's Street
- Thames Street
- Marston Ferry Road
- Hollow Way
The consultation will be hosted on the county council's Let's Talk Oxfordshire engagement platform.
A series of online information sessions are also planned by the council ahead of a decision being made in September.
You can follow BBC Oxfordshire on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.