Oxford Grants Six-Week Grace Period for Congestion Charge Launch

Oxford has initiated a temporary grace period for its upcoming congestion charge scheme, set to begin next week. The city has issued approximately 33,000 permits that exempt motorists from paying the congestion fee at designated points during this period.

Details of the Grace Period

Councillor Andrew Gant, the council’s transport chief, announced that during this soft launch, drivers will receive a reminder letter when they first pass through a congestion charge point without payment or a permit. This initiative aims to ease the transition to the new charging system.

Permit System Costs

Earlier this week, it was disclosed that Oxford City Council had allocated £73,000 for the development of the online permit system. The significant expense raised concerns among local leaders.

• Permit Issuance: 33,000 permits issued to date.
• Grace Period: A notification will be sent to drivers during their first violation.
• Permit System Expense: £73,000 allocated for the system’s implementation.

Concerns from Local Leaders

Conservative councillor Liam Walker, leader of the opposition group Oxfordshire Alliance, criticized the spending as excessive. He noted that many residents find the permit system confusing and unreliable. These concerns highlight the need for clear communication and adequate support for drivers navigating the new congestion charge.