When did the Oxford congestion charge end?
The last day was Sunday 27 September 2026. From Monday 28 September the charge points became traffic filters, and the council says the two schemes were never in place at the same time (notice to end the charge).
The charge started on 29 October 2025. Cars without a permit paid £5 a day to pass any of six charge points, and the council said at launch it would stay only until the traffic filter trial could start (council news).
Can I still pay the Oxford congestion charge?
No. You had until midnight on the day after each journey to pay, so even a trip on the final day had to be paid for by midnight on 28 September 2026. There’s now no £5 charge to pay, and no way to pay to pass a filter.
What if I didn’t pay for a journey before it ended?
The council’s congestion charge fine page says the penalty for an unpaid charge is £70, cut to £35 if paid within 14 days and rising to £105 if it isn’t paid within 28 days. You can pay online, by phone on 0345 337 1138 (option 1) or by post. The council warns it won’t send a reminder.
If you think the PCN is wrong, challenge it with the council within 28 days. If that’s rejected, you can appeal to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal, which is free.
What replaced the congestion charge?
A trial of six traffic filters, in the same places and at the same times as the charge points. Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement’s Street, St Cross Road and Thames Street run 7am–7pm every day. Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road run 7–9am and 3–6pm, Monday to Saturday (about the traffic filters).
Only cars are restricted. A car without a permit gets a warning the first time in the trial’s first six months, then a £70 fine. The trial can run for up to 18 months, and a public consultation is open until 28 March 2027. Our traffic filters guide covers the exact locations, permits and fines.
What happened to congestion charge permits?
Most transferred automatically. Congestion charge permits became traffic filter permits unless the council contacted the holder to say otherwise, and resident day passes were reset to 100 in the Oxford permit area or 25 in the Oxfordshire permit area.
Central permit area resident permits moved to the Oxford permit area. Three permit types expired with the charge: the central permit area resident’s visitor permit, the workplace parking users permit, and the sports clubs, nurseries or military training permit. Holders may qualify for a different permit.
Is the Oxford Zero Emission Zone still charging?
Yes. The Zero Emission Zone is a separate scheme and hasn’t changed. It covers a few city-centre streets, including Cornmarket and Queen Street, and charges any vehicle that isn’t zero emission £2–£10 a day between 7am and 7pm. You can pay up to six days after you drive in. If you’ve missed it, see forgot to pay the Oxford ZEZ?