Oxford congestion charge

Sat 11 Oct, 10:25

Simon, follow James' link below, then the link to actually apply is the blue button in the first section on the page - but it looks like you need to create an account first.

Fri 10 Oct, 12:57 (last edited on Fri 10 Oct, 13:59)

Simon, can I suggest that you call the customer service number and ask them to help you.  They will be able to take you through the process

Fri 10 Oct, 12:41

Has anyone actually successfully done this. I have followed every link and cannot find where you can actually get a permit.

Fri 10 Oct, 09:22

Simon, url for Oxon residents' permit: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporary-congestion-charge-cars/congestion-charge-permits/tcc-oxfordshire-permit-area (if you need a permit that is – as Claire said, it's not a zone, it's just points that you pass and it sounds like it will be easy to avoid the toll cameras unless you are obliged or determined to take a particular route).

Thu 9 Oct, 14:14

I wouldn't describe the online system as "quick and easy to navigate".

One piece of advice. Before starting you need to scan pages 1 and 2 of your V5C car registration document. If you are applying for the permit to cover more than 1 car, then pages 1 and 2 of each registration document need to be included in one file for uploading during the application process.

Thu 9 Oct, 13:40

It's worth noting that according to this website, 'Oxfordshire County Council is providing free park and ride bus journeys in Oxford for an initial period of three months from 29 October ... up to two adults and three children with a valid park and ride parking ticket will be able to claim free travel to and from park and ride sites in the city. The tickets will be valid on any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel bus that visits an Oxford park and ride site, not just named park and ride services.'

https://news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/free-park-and-ride-bus-travel-with-temporary-congestion-charge/

Thu 9 Oct, 11:29

Unless Ive totally misunderstood, it isn’t actually a zone. There are only 6 roads where the charge will apply. From Charlbury you will still be able to drive into the centre of Oxford via Woodstock Road without paying, or to the hospital via the ring road. The only issue I can see would be if you went to the hospital and wanted to shortcut back down Marston Ferry Road - at peak times you would have to take the ring road. It looks to me like it’s only a problem if you work in oxford or regularly visit someone and you need to use one of those 6 roads. 

Thu 9 Oct, 11:18

Sorry Liz, I must be stupid. I cannot see anywhere you apply. There are sections for workers, good vehicles, blue badge holders, hearses etc but I cannot find a section for people visiting Oxford. 

Thu 9 Oct, 11:17

If it reduces traffic in some central areas, it will be worth it. Traffic in places like St Clements is appalling all day and evening - unpleasant for pedestrians to walk past, very slow and congested for people on bikes, in cars, on buses. The medieval and Victorian streets can't cope with the volume and size of modern traffic.

It looks like you can avoid it if you need to – for example you can drive to the hospitals via the ring road/Marsh Lane/Headley Way without a permit, and you can drive to the O2 via the ring road and BMW roundabout/Cowley Rd without a permit. But not along St Clements or Longwall St – good! Map here:  https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporary-congestion-charge-cars/map-locations You'd only need a permit for certain journeys and they are free.

Thu 9 Oct, 11:08 (last edited on Thu 9 Oct, 11:08)

Anyone living in Oxfordshire can apply for 25 permits a year, whether they work in Oxford or are visiting the city.  In the list of permits on the website that is the fourth item from the top - Oxfordshire permit area resident.  You have to provide proof of residency and of car ownership when you apply. Anyone visiting from elsewhere will have to pay a congestion charge of £5. 

Thu 9 Oct, 11:01

I don't know if I'm missing something obvious, but I cannot find a permit for people visiting Oxford. The one that appears to be directed to Oxfordshire residents is for people who work in Oxford. Has anyone found the correct permit?

Wed 8 Oct, 17:03 (last edited on Thu 9 Oct, 08:13)

Leaflets have been sent out to the areas closest to Oxford, but I am not sure whether Charlbury was included.  However you can get all the information you need here:  https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporary-congestion-charge-cars; Everyone is entitled to 25 free passes per year, and people with, for example, blue badges are exempt from any charges but you will still need to register. The online system for applying for passes is working well and appears to be quick and easy to navigate.  If someone does not have digital access they can call the OCC customer service centre on 01865 519800 and they will be able to do it for them. 

Wed 8 Oct, 16:03 (last edited on Wed 8 Oct, 20:16)

Does everyone know that OCC is introducing a "temporary congestion charge" for those travelling by car into central Oxford from Wednesday October 29th? ANPR cameras will be charging offenders from that date.

If Charlbury residents have been sent details of how to apply for a permit or permits to travel through the designated congestion zone without being charged on a limited number of days in a year, it has certainly passed me by. And I'm guessing that's also probably true for other people. 

All details of the affected areas and also the various permit types can be found here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporary-congestion-charge-cars

Frequent hospital patients, Blue Badge Holders and a variety of workers and parents have their own particular exemptions.

Unfortunately the whole process seems to be digital, so it will take time to put an application together. A good idea to start the application as soon as you can manage it!