Traffic filters get new start date after delay

New traffic filters to replace the temporary congestion charge in Oxford will begin on 28 September, the county council has confirmed.

The filters will ban most cars from travelling through six points in the city, with motorists fined up to £70 for any breaches.

This is unlike the temporary congestion charge, which allowed drivers to pay £5 to pass through an unlimited number of charge points in one day.

The filters had initially been due to be introduced earlier in September, but that date has been updated after the reopening of the Botley Road was delayed further.

Announcing the new start date, Oxfordshire County Council leader Tim Bearder said he was "pleased that we are finally in a position to launch this important trial measure to reduce traffic in the city".

"The traffic filter trial aims to further reduce through-traffic and tackle congestion that has blighted the city for decades, creating a healthier, more accessible and attractive Oxford," he explained.

The trial will begin on Monday 28 September under an experimental traffic order for a maximum of 18 months.

It will use the same technology as the congestion charge, including automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras.

The £70 fines will be reduced to £35, if paid within 21 days, with the ANPR cameras located in the same points and operating at the same times as the congestion charge scheme.

Much like the congestion charge, permits are available for certain groups, including blue badge holders and frequent hospital patients.

The council said existing congestion charge permits would be automatically transferred to traffic filter permits, without people needing to reapply.

It added during the first six months of the trial, drivers would be sent a warning notice the first time their car goes through a traffic filter without using a permit.

A public consultation is due to open for residents and businesses to give feedback when the scheme begins.

Bearder said this would "help us shape our future plans".

"We are listening and learning as we develop the best long-term solution for traffic in and around Oxford," he added.

The trial was first approved in 2022, but its implementation has been consistently delayed after its start date was tied to the reopening of the Botley Road.

Network Rail announced last week that the road would finally reopen on 20 September, almost two years after work had initially been planned to finish.