Traffic "emergency" could lead to new congestion charge in Oxford
A temporary congestion charge is being considered for Oxford after a bus company warned that traffic delays were at "emergency levels".Oxfordshire County Council said introducing a £5 daily charge for cars on six roads in the city is one of the options available for managing the problem.The authority said action was needed 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 StreetSt Cross RoadSt Clement's StreetThames StreetMarston Ferry RoadHollow WayPaying the £5 charge, which would only apply to cars, would allow drivers to go through the six charge locations until the end of the day.Permits would be available for carers, traders, blue badge holders, and those commuting to or living in a central area of the city.
The change is being considered after warnings about delays from the Oxford Bus Group.Managing Director Luke Marion said: "Oxford simply cannot cope with another year of worsening congestion – rather than continuing to wait for the traffic filters, we need a 'plan B' to address the congestion problem over the next 12 months, and we need it quickly."Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport said action was needed."We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around," he added.The proposals will be discussed by the council's cabinet on June 17 and, if approved, a six-week public consultation would start later this month.The authority said this was with a view to implementing the congestion charge this autumn, and that as a temporary scheme it could be in place for a maximum of two years.
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The Guardian
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