Oxfordshire County Council has released data from February 2026 showing that bus journeys on key roads in Oxford, Oxfordshire, are running faster because of the city’s temporary congestion charge. The information, published on 25 March 2026, shows that services on Abingdon Road and Iffley Road have improved compared to the same time last year. The scheme was introduced on 29 October 2025 to manage traffic while major roadworks take place in the city.
Bus companies like Go Ahead have seen an 8 per cent rise in passengers since the charge started, with many people choosing to use park and ride services. Because the scheme has raised more money than expected, Oxfordshire County Council will continue to offer free park and ride bus travel until at least the end of May 2026. The charge collected 1.04 million pounds in January 2026 alone, which is significantly higher than the original estimates.
The 5 pound daily fee applies at six locations for cars without special permits, such as those for residents, blue badge holders, or carers. It was put in place while Network Rail works on a 161 million pound project to replace a railway bridge, which has kept Botley Road closed since 2023. The road is now expected to reopen in August 2026, at which point the temporary charge will be replaced by a different traffic system with fines of up to 70 pounds.
While some outer roads have seen an increase in traffic as drivers try to avoid the charge points, the number of people walking in the city centre has remained steady. Data shows that walking on Queen Street increased by 1 per cent between November 2025 and February 2026. This comes as a local group called Open Roads for Oxford continues a legal challenge against the charge in the High Court.
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