Oxford Bus Company supports congestion charge to help ease traffic
The bus company say congestion is “reaching levels that are unsustainable”
Oxford Bus Company say traffic is reaching "unsustainable" levels and are supporting plans to introduce a congestion charge in the city.
The proposal from Oxfordshire County Council comes after the traffic filters trial was postponed due to the closure of Botley Road.
Subject to approval, it could be a daily £5 levy for some roads in the city, coming into force August this year.
It will be discussed by the County Council’s cabinet on 17 June, then followed by a six-week public consultation on the introduction of a temporary congestion charge would start 23rd June.
Luke Marion, Managing Director of Oxford Bus Company said: “The levels of congestion that we're seeing, particularly over the last couple of years, are reaching levels that are unsustainable and it's getting to the point where it's more and more difficult to operate a credible bus network in the face of such congestion.”
Mr Marion also hopes the congestion scheme will encourage more people to use buses and improve the service.
He said: “The best thing about the congestion charges, is that it generates surpluses.
“So, the money raised from the scheme can only be used for transport schemes which will be reinvested in things like improving the bus routes”.
He says it could mean “putting park and ride car parking, or the park and ride bus travel to be free, to try and encourage more people to use it and reducing the fares.”
However, there are concerns that those already struggling, in an expensive city, will be hit hardest by the charge.
Councillor Susan Brown, Leader of Oxford City Council, said: “There has been no engagement with businesses, residents or the City Council until today - yet again the city is being done to rather than engaged with in preparing transport proposals.
“We are concerned that this scheme allows people who can afford to do so to buy access to our streets. Those who can’t will struggle.
“We believe that Oxford residents deserve clear proposals to deliver a cheaper, more comprehensive bus service in the city – not just vague promises of improvements. Any revenue from this scheme should be spent in the city on public transport.”