Copyright birminghammail
A new congestion charge launches in England today - as motorists face a controversial £5 daily cost. Oxford’s temporary congestion charge launches TODAY (Wednesday October 29), according to the council. The local authority says the temporary initiative from Oxfordshire County Council will reduce traffic in the city while Botley Road remains closed, preventing the start of the traffic filter trial. The temporary congestion charge will be at points on six roads in Oxford. Cars with permits and all other vehicles can pass through the charge locations for free. Without a permit, a charge of £5 per day will be payable to drive a car through the six congestion charge locations. READ MORE New 10mph speed limit in England 'for next six months' with drivers warned Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: “I am very pleased that Stagecoach and Oxford Bus Company have come forward with significant service improvements, and that we as a council are able to offer the benefit of free park and ride bus travel, as a result of this scheme. “We will be watching the impacts carefully as residents, visitors and businesses adjust to the temporary congestion charge.” Those driving in a car without a permit can pay the congestion charge online by midnight on the day after driving through one of the six charge locations – no account is needed. There is also an option to pay by phone. Each congestion charge location covers just one point on the road. Cars can use the road on either side of these locations at any time without a permit. There are directional signs providing drivers advance warning of the charging locations. Traffic signs will show when and where the congestion charge applies to cars, and automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will enforce the restrictions. Residents can get a limited number of day passes each year, and some groups are eligible for permits for unlimited travel.
