A WORLD-famous UK city is planning to introduce a congestion charge in a move that has led to a civil war between local authorities.
Oxford is famous for its gothic spires and picturesque bridges, which attract sightseers from around the world.
But new plans are now underway to force drivers to pay £5 to access some areas of Oxford’s historic city centre.
The congestion charge, proposed by Oxfordshire County Council, would be the first new levy of its kind introduced in a British city in two decades.
However, the other local authority in the region, Oxford City Council, slammed the scheme as elitist.
They say there has been “no engagement” on the proposals and that the congestion charge “only allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets.”
Speaking to The Telegraph, Susan Brown, the leader of the city council, said: “There has been no engagement with businesses, residents or the city council until today – yet again the city is being done to rather than engaged with in preparing transport proposals.
“We are concerned that this scheme allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets. Those who can’t will struggle.”
Oxfordshire County Council called comments from the city authority “disappointing”.
Campaigner Clinton Pugh, the father of Hollywood starlet Florence Pugh, told The Telegraph that the proposed scheme risked turning Oxford into a Singapore-like location in which only the wealthy could afford to drive in the city.
The former restauranteur also claimed that the County Council were trying to turn Oxford into a ‘cycle-only city’ which would have a destructive impact on local businesses in the area.
He added: “You have got no one in the council who has any business experience and understands the impact of doing this.”
In a statement, Oxfordshire County Council said: “Proposed options to manage congestion in and around Oxford will be discussed by Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet on 17 June.
“Options will include a temporary congestion charge for the city.
“The council has committed to addressing congestion in the short-term, after its plan to implement six trial traffic filters was postponed due to the ongoing closure of Botley Road, now expected to reopen in August 2026.
“The council’s cabinet will be asked to approve the start of a public consultation on a temporary congestion charge.
“The scheme would improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits, including carers, traders and blue badge holders, to travel by car into and around the city.
“If approved, a public consultation would start on 23 June, with a view to implementing the temporary scheme in autumn this year.”
Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management, told The Express: “We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.
“We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Oxford’s Botley Road remains closed and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues.”
