Temporary congestion charge permits

Apply for a business car used as a goods vehicle permit

Apply

If you don't already have an account (for your parking permit), you'll need to create one.

You'll need access to an email account to apply online. Need help setting up an email account?

Apply for a permit

What you need to know

The free business car used as a goods vehicle permit allows unlimited travel through all six congestion charging locations during charging hours.

  • you are limited to 1 permit
  • there is no limit to the number of cars on your permit  
  • the permit must not be used for private travel
  • the permit must not be used for commuting on days when you don't expect to make any operational journeys carrying goods, tools or equipment

How long your permit lasts

Your permit will be valid for 12 months. 

You cannot use your permit until we confirm that we have approved your application. Your permit will not be available to use until the scheme begins.

Who can get a business car used as a goods vehicle permit

To qualify:

  • you must be a business that regularly operates within the Oxford permit area or the central permit area
  • you must regularly use your car to carry goods, tools or equipment that are necessary for operational business purposes and cannot reasonably be transported by foot, cycle, or public transport
  • your company must be the registered keeper of the car(s) on your application

What you need to get a business car used as a goods vehicle permit

You must provide the following evidence to support your application:  

  • proof of business status, such as a certificate of good standing, a certificate of incorporation or a business rate demand for the business address
  • one of these:
    • evidence of work within the Oxford permit area or central permit area within the last six months (such as invoices or payslips)
    • evidence that your business is based in the Oxford permit area or central permit area (such as a recent business rate demand or other bill)
  • a copy of the insurance for each car on the application, showing that it is insured for business use
  • the V5C (logbook) or V5C alternative (listed below) of each car on your application. The submitted document(s) must show your organisation's name

V5C alternatives

You can use the following documents in place of your V5C:

  • the most recent vehicle tax reminder showing your full name, address and postcode
  • a garage sales invoice or new keeper supplement (V5C2) - if the vehicle has been purchased within the last 6 weeks

A V5C not registered in your organisation's name

If the V5C of the car you use is not registered in your organisation's name, you can apply for a permit using one of the following alternatives.

For a company car, you must provide:

  • a copy of the V5C
  • a letter or email from your employer showing that only your organisation uses the car

For a long-term lease, hire-purchase or other financial agreement, you must provide:

  • a copy of the lease agreement showing your organisation's name