Oxfordshire County Council plans to trial traffic filters using a permit scheme next month to replace the temporary congestion charge in an effort to reduce traffic in the city centre.
Coming into effect on 28 September, the council says that the traffic filters trial will operate ‘in a similar way' to the temporary congestion charge; the filters will be applied at the same six locations and make use of a permit scheme. The main difference is that, once the trial comes into effect, car drivers will no longer pay the £5 congestion charge to pass through the traffic filters.
Cars with valid permits – as well as all other vehicles – will be able to travel through the filters at all times. While the council acknowledged that people may need to take an alternative route, it added that ‘often you won't'.
The council offers 20 different types of permits, including a Blue Badge holder's permit, ones for firefighters and vehicles operated for car clubs, hearse or funeral cars and an option for unpaid carers.
Under an ‘experimental' traffic regulation order, the trial can last for a maximum of 18 months.
While there is no charge for any of the traffic filter permits, Oxfordshire County Council did tell Highways that failure to have a valid permit for using the filters will result in a £52.50 fine, which increases by 50% to £105 if not paid or challenged after 28 days. Should this debt be registered with the traffic enforcement centre, an extra £9 is added.
The news comes after Network Rail confirmed Botley Road in Oxford will reopen to traffic on Sunday 20 September, following additional work needed to replace part of the gas network beneath the road after three minor gas leaks were discovered during excavation works.
Oxfordshire said that Botley Road reopening will allow everywhere in Oxford to be accessible by car.
Cllr Tim Bearder, leader of Oxfordshire County Council, said: ‘I'm pleased that we are finally in a position to launch this important trial measure to reduce traffic in the city. The traffic filter trial aims to further reduce through-traffic and tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford.
‘A six-month public consultation will open on 28 September. Residents and businesses' feedback will help us shape our future plans. We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford.'
The council stated that ‘most people' with existing congestion charge permits will not need to take any action, as they will be ‘automatically transferred' to traffic filter permits, with the permit's start date reverting to 28 September.
It added that day pass allocations will automatically reset to 100 for Oxford residents and 25 for Oxfordshire residents. Current permit holders will be contacted by the council, which will explain the next steps.
Applications are also now open online here for those who don't have a permit yet. Those living in the Oxford permit area are eligible for 100-day passes per year, while those living in the wider Oxfordshire permit area are eligible for 25-day passes per year.
The council noted that the trial start date is contingent on Network Rail reopening Botley Road on 20 September.
