I’ve been speaking with Oxfordshire County Council following their decision to approve a temporary congestion charge area across Oxford city to take effect from late autumn 2025. I want to share what I’ve learned and how it might affect FMB members and their teams. The measure is designed to help reduce traffic congestion around Oxford and will apply in six camera-monitored locations across the city.
What is the scheme?
Applying to cars only, the temporary £5 congestion charge is due to start later this year (date to confirmed shortly) covering a central permit area of Oxford.
Permits will be available for certain groups who use their cars for work and more details on how to apply for permits can be found on Oxfordshire Council's website.
How does it affect FMB members?
If you use a van or truck for work, then you will not be charged. The scheme only applies to vehicles classed as M1 – which refers to cars and motorhomes. You can check vehicle class by using the DVLA’s vehicle information site.
It will cost £5 a day regardless of how many times that day you enter / leave the charge area and the scheme will be payable all year round, including bank holidays.
If you or any of your teams use cars for work, you can apply for a free permit through the council:
- If you live within the central permit area, you may be eligible for unlimited travel plus 50 visitor passes.
- If you live in the wider Oxford permit area, you’ll be entitled to 100 free day passes.
- Residents across Oxfordshire will have access to 25 free day passes.
Where you can get more information
Oxfordshire council’s website has more information including FAQs so keep an eye out on it for details of when the scheme and permit applications go live.
This scheme is separate to the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) already in place in the city so you may still be required to pay a charge under that scheme, depending where you travel.
Does this affect you?
If you’re affected by this scheme or the zero emissions zone, please do let me know of your experience and how it may be impacting on your business.
Authors
Iain Kirtley
With over 20 years’ experience of membership bodies, not for profit organisations and the private sector, Iain joined the FMB in August 2023 from the Chartered Institute of Building where he worked with construction companies of all sizes to support them with training, development and accreditation.
