Oxford LTNs: Fines for drivers top £1m over nearly 4 years

BBC News

3 days ago

Drivers have paid more than £1m in fines for driving through Oxford's Low Traffic Neighbourhoods (LTNs) over three-and-a-half years, a Freedom of Information request has revealed.Figures show more than 52,000 fines have been issued to motorists who drive through LTNs since 2022.The contentious traffic measure was first trialled on several roads during the pandemic using wooden bollards.Oxfordshire County Council is legally required to spend money raised from fines on supporting transport. It said the measures had made streets "healthier and safer".
Motorists can be fined £70 for driving through the LTNs without an exemption, with the fine reducing to £35 if it is paid within 21 days.The LTNs in Cowley and East Oxford were made permanent in July 2022 and October 2023 respectively after an 18-month trial.However, figures obtained by the Local Democracy Reporting Service showed the income raised from fines has dropped over time.The county council made a total of £456,976 in 2022, which dropped to £189,887 in 2023, £222,676 in 2024.So far in 2025, fines have totalled £213,420 giving an overall total so far of £1,082,959.The income raised in fines is offset against the costs of providing parking enforcement and park and ride schemes. Any surplus must be used to fund transport related improvements.Independent opposition councillor David Henwood said the money from fines would be used as a "war chest" for more measures "against car owners"."Fines are not being used in a positive way, for example providing school bus services or subsidising bus routes, or even making roads safer by introducing segregated cycle lanes."He added that junctions on the Newman and Churchill Road were "now more dangerous" because of the scheme.Andrew Gant, cabinet member for transport management on the county council said air quality was "improving" due to LTNs and other initiatives."The LTNs have no doubt helped Oxford to achieve as much as a 38% reduction in nitrogen dioxide levels since 2019."Over time, the benefits should increase," he added.The number of appeals made after a fine was issued stood at 7,186 since 2022.A total of 89% of appeals were successful - although they include cases where liability is transferred to new owners of vehicles.
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