Traders count cost of extended congestion charge

Small businesses are being "sacrificed" while a council earns extra money from a prolonged congestion charge scheme, traders have said.

The temporary scheme introduced charges for vehicles entering Oxford city centre from October 2025 and has been extended until 28 September.

Originally forecast to raise £3.2m, the scheme is now expected to generate a £7.7m surplus, the Local Democracy Reporting Service has learned.

Oxford Business Action Group (OBAG) said "turnover fell off a cliff" when the charge was introduced. However, Oxfordshire County Council said the scheme had delivered faster journeys, cleaner air, reduced traffic and safer streets.

OBAG spokesperson Bernadette Evans said hospitality, hair and beauty, and retail businesses had all suffered as customers began to shop elsewhere.

"Many businesses are only just surviving and the council is largely responsible for this tragedy," she said.

Fellow restauranteur Yola Drage said: "My business has been affected in every way - team headcount cut and not replaced, revenue down by a third.

"Now we face closure after 20 years of trading... We have been sacrificed."

Geoff Sutton from OBAG added: "The council's own figures show footfall and spend is down."

Barefoot Bakery owner Fraser Jones said: "It is particularly frustrating to see the council now sitting on a £7m surplus from these charges while local businesses are paying the price."

The congestion charge imposes a £5 daily fee or £70 penalty at gateways on six main roads.

From 28 September, the charge is due to be replaced by a "traffic filter trial", banning cars from passing the six points but allowing access to the city centre via the newly-reopened Botley Road.

County councillor Gareth Epps, in charge of transport, said money collected from motorists was being invested in transport improvements.

He said: "I'm actively engaging with businesses across the city and discussing how we can make sure that Oxford remains an attractive place to live, work, visit and do business."

Until March, the authority is offering a park and ride deal, enabling five people to visit the city centre for a combined price of £3.