About the congestion charge

Why we have this scheme

We designed the scheme to reduce congestion in Oxford while Botley Road is closed, and we cannot start the traffic filters trial. We expect it to improve bus services and make it easier for permit holders to travel by car into and around the city, including:

• community health and care workers
• carers
• Blue Badge holders
• traders 

The objectives of the scheme are the same as for traffic filters. The scheme aims to:

• reduce traffic
• make bus journeys faster and more reliable
• allow for new and improved bus routes
• make walking and cycling safer
• reduce local air pollution
• improve the health and wellbeing of our communities

How long the congestion charge will be in place

The scheme will remain in place until we introduce the traffic filters trial once Botley Road reopens, which we expect to be August 2026. The maximum time the congestion charge scheme will be in place as a temporary measure is two years.

Vehicles the congestion charge applies to

The congestion charge applies only to M1 vehicles (cars and motorhomes). Electric cars are not exempt from the congestion charge.

If unsure how your vehicle is classified, use the DVLA vehicle checker to view the 'vehicle type approval'.  

All other vehicles can go through the congestion locations without charge.

The daily congestion charge

A daily charge is £5.

You only pay once a day. You can drive through multiple charge locations per day or any single charge location multiple times per day.

Cars with permits (including day passes) can go through the congestion locations without charge.

How to pay the congestion charge

If you don't have a permit, you can pay the congestion charge online—you won't need an account. You can pay the charge online by midnight on the day after you drive through one of the six charge locations. If you can't pay online, you can pay by phone. 

Charging days and times

The temporary congestion charge operates all year round, including bank holidays. View the charging days and times. 

How to identify the congestion locations

Traffic signs mark the congestion locations. View a map and a list of the street names.

Fines for not paying the charge

Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras check all vehicles moving through congestion locations. You must pay the daily charge if you go through a congestion location without a permit. 

If you do not pay the daily charge, you will receive a £70 fine (reduced by half to £35 if paid within 14 days).

If you do not pay the fine within 28 days, the fine increases by half to £105.

Travelling around Oxford

The congestion charge applies only to cars passing through the congestion charge locations. You can avoid four of the charge locations below by taking a different route:

• St Cross Road
• St Clements
• Hollow Way
• Marston Ferry Road

Plan your route before you travel to avoid passing through the congestion locations.

Residents

There are three residential permit types for Oxfordshire residents. The one you qualify for depends on where you live. View a map of the permit areas.

Car parks

If you do not have a permit, you will have to pay the congestion charge to access these car parks:

• Westgate
• the rail station
• Oxpens
• Worcester Street