Huge blow for drivers as cars slapped with £5 | Tech News

Petrol, diesel and electric car homeowners can be slapped with a £5 every day charge to drive in a single of the UK’S hottest cities, with a new charge set to be launched. Officials at Oxford County Council backed the replace at a assembly on Wednesday, with the new system set to come back into impact later this Autumn.

The new charges will charge drivers £5 to cross by means of six charging areas on roads throughout the town of Oxford. Officials confirmed that the scheme is designed to scale back congestion in Oxford with zero exemptions in place for electric autos. Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport Management confused the short-term payment would additionally fund enhancements to native companies. 

He stated: “Oxford needs a more sustainable, reliable and inclusive transport system for everyone. People have told us they want quicker journeys, more reliable bus services, and safer cycling and walking. In order to achieve that we need to reduce the number of cars on our roads. That is what the temporary congestion charge is set to achieve.”

Oxford County Council has confirmed the charges can be payable at six areas throughout the town together with Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, St Clements Street and Thames Street between Monday and Sunday from 7am to 7pm. 

Restrictions at Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way will run between Monday and Saturday in two time intervals,  7am to 9am and between 3pm and 6pm. 

The new short-term congestion charge payment is set to be payable all yr spherical, together with throughout any bank holidays. The council has confirmed that the new congestion charge payment will solely apply to cars with different autos not needing to pay. 

Permits can even be made out there for sure teams, which can then grow to be exempt from the fees. This will embody group health and care staff, carers, blue badge holders, and cellular merchants.

Officials have additionally defined that a new central allow space can be created with free permits out there for residents, guests and commuters.

Cllr Gant added: “I’d like to thank everyone who responded to the recent consultation and previous consultations on the traffic filters scheme on which the temporary congestion charge is based. 

“All of the comments have been considered by officers and helped inform the final proposals. We will continue to listen to people’s views and report on how the temporary scheme performs.”