Oxford traffic filters come into force as congestion charge ends
The 18-month trial hopes to reduce traffic for buses and cyclists
Six new traffic filters have come into force in Oxford, replacing the city's temporary congestion charge.
The filters become operational at 7am today, changing how some drivers can travel through parts of the city.
Cars will now need an appropriate permit to pass through a filter while it is operating, rather than having the option of paying the £5 congestion charge.
Oxfordshire County Council says every part of Oxford remains accessible by car without passing through a traffic filter, although drivers without permits may need to change their route.
The filters are located on Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clement's Street, Thames Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.
The first four operate between 7am and 7pm every day, while the filters on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way operate during peak periods, from 7am until 9am and 3pm until 6pm, Monday to Saturday.
Residents elsewhere in Oxfordshire who qualify can apply for a permit providing 25 day passes each year.
Fines for drivers without permits
The filters are enforced using automatic number plate recognition cameras.
Drivers who take a car through an operating filter without a valid permit could receive a £70 penalty charge, reduced to £35 if it is paid within 21 days.
The restrictions only apply to cars and motorhomes classed as M1 vehicles.
Vans, motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and lorries can pass through the filters without a permit, but electric cars are not exempt.
During the first six months, the council says a driver's first contravention will result in a warning notice rather than a fine.
Cabinet Member for Transport, Gareth Epps, said: "This isn't a scheme that's designed to raise revenue, it's designed to change behaviour.
"We want to show people is that there are lots of options and you can get into any part of Oxford city centre for free, as long as you avoid the filter points."
The council is, however, looking at how any income generated by the scheme can be used, including on new hospital express buses, continued park and ride discounts and improvements to key junctions.
Why are traffic filters being introduced?
The county council says its aim is to reduce through-traffic and congestion, improve bus journeys and encourage more people to use public transport, walk or cycle.
"We know that the problem that we have in Oxford is a really limited set of road space around all sorts of heritage assets, particularly in the city centre," Councillor Epps said.
"We've got to do something about it."
He said the council would assess the results of the scheme before deciding what should happen next.
"This is a trial. It can only last by law for a maximum of 18 months," he said.
"We'll sit down, look at all that information and a load of wider data. And at that point, a decision will be made on what follows this."
Councillor Epps added that the filters form part of wider plans to change how people travel into and around Oxford.
"I think together we can come up with a scheme that will put Oxford really in a groundbreaking position," he said.
"This sits aside other work we're doing, such as working with Network Rail, who are master planning a new station, because the number of people who are travelling into Oxford by train is going to double in the next 20 years."
Consultation begins
A consultation is also opening alongside the trial, giving residents and businesses an opportunity to provide feedback based on their experience of the filters.
The council says it will monitor factors including traffic levels and bus journey times, with the results of monitoring, evaluation and the consultation informing decisions over the future of the scheme.
Councillor Epps said the authority was also considering feedback already given to them by businesses, including whether local measures could reduce the impact of filters on issues such as access and parking.
He emphasised that the city welcomes visitors and shoppers, pointing to public transport and park and ride options.
"Oxford is well and truly open for business and it's thriving," he said. "We want to make this change as easy as possible for everyone who lives and works here."
Drivers are being advised to plan their journeys before travelling and check whether they are eligible for a permit.