Oxford Accused of Crippling Businesses with New Anti-Car Permit Scheme

A controversial new anti-car filter scheme in the heart of Oxford is being blamed for crippling businesses and causing severe traffic gridlock, according to local residents and business leaders. The system, implemented by the Lib Dem-run Oxfordshire County Council, fines drivers £70 if they pass through six key points around the city without a permit.

Motorists reported being stuck for hours in Oxford city centre on Sunday, October 11, with some car park staff reportedly distributing water as queues took hours to clear. Business leaders contend that the increased journey times are deterring visitors and damaging the city's economic hub.

The traffic filters are active between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. for drivers passing through specific points on Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St. Cross Road, and St. Clement's Street. Two filters, on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way, operate only during peak hours: 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., Monday to Saturday. A fine of £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days, is issued to drivers without a valid permit during operating hours.

Permits are available to residents, Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, firefighters, car clubs, and approved driving instructors. However, since the measures took effect on September 28, many locals have reported heavier traffic and extended delays.

One mother, Emily Strange of Abingdon, Oxfordshire, described being trapped in the Westgate Shopping Centre's multi-storey car park for three hours with her two young children due to the delays. She stated that car park staff were handing out water and advising that the city was gridlocked. Strange, who has experienced the city's Half Marathon day traffic in previous years, believes the new filters were responsible for the severe congestion, noting that the council's highways phone line was closed.

Elizabeth Jones commented that it has become "too expensive and too difficult to travel into" Oxford, suggesting the city is being made inaccessible. She questioned the purpose of building large car parks like the one at Westgate if drivers are being pushed out.

The Oxford Bus Company also reported significant disruption over the weekend, attributing it to the traffic filters coinciding with roadworks, including the closure of Queen Street for resurfacing and work in Cowley.

The current traffic filters replace a temporary £5 congestion charge that was in place for the same six roads since October of the previous year. This scheme follows the introduction of controversial low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in 2021, which prevent cars from using residential streets as shortcuts.

Clinton Pugh, father of actress Florence Pugh and a critic of the LTNs, argued that these measures are "destroying the economic hub" of areas like Cowley Road, affecting hundreds of businesses. He described the situation as bullying and accused authorities of taking advantage of business owners.

In response, a spokesperson for Oxfordshire County Council stated that Sunday's chaos was exacerbated by the Oxford Half Marathon, which drew 15,000 attendees, and resulting road closures. The council highlighted that permit holders have alternative exit routes and that visitors can utilize the Park & Ride service for a combined ticket of £3, covering bus travel for up to five people and 16 hours of parking. The council added that it is still early in the trial and impacts will be monitored closely.

A spokesperson for Westgate Oxford acknowledged the importance of reducing congestion but noted the traffic filters' impact on city centre businesses, particularly without significant investment in public transport alternatives. They apologized for the delays experienced by guests on Sunday and expressed a desire to collaborate with the council to ensure Oxford remains accessible and thriving.