What are Oxford’s traffic filters?
Oxford’s traffic filters are six camera-enforced points that cars can’t drive through at set times without a permit. They started on 28 September 2026, in the same places as the temporary congestion charge they replaced, as a trial that can last up to 18 months (Oxfordshire County Council).
There are no barriers, and you can’t pay to go through: the £5 charge has gone, as our post on the end of the congestion charge explains.
Where are Oxford’s traffic filters?
The six filters are on Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement’s Street, St Cross Road, Thames Street, Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road. The council’s legal notice for the trial gives the exact spots:
| Filter | Exact location | Days | Hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hythe Bridge Street | West of the Rewley Road junction | Every day | 7am–7pm |
| St Clement’s Street | East of the Boulter Street and Jeune Street junction | Every day | 7am–7pm |
| St Cross Road | South of the Manor Road junction | Every day | 7am–7pm |
| Thames Street | East of the Blackfriars Road junction | Every day | 7am–7pm |
| Hollow Way | Between James Wolfe Road and Dene Road | Monday to Saturday | 7–9am and 3–6pm |
| Marston Ferry Road | West of the access to The Swan School | Monday to Saturday | 7–9am and 3–6pm |
The council’s traffic filter map shows each one. Blue signs warn you about 80 yards ahead, and yellow signs mark the filter itself.
What times do the traffic filters operate?
Hythe Bridge Street, St Clement’s Street, St Cross Road and Thames Street operate 7am to 7pm, seven days a week. Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road operate 7–9am and 3–6pm, Monday to Saturday. All six run all year, including bank holidays. Outside those hours any vehicle can drive through.
Which vehicles can go through the filters?
Only cars are restricted: vehicles the DVLA classes as M1, which includes most motorhomes. Vans, motorbikes, mopeds, lorries, coaches and buses can pass at any time. Electric cars are not exempt. If your vehicle’s ‘type approval’ on the DVLA vehicle checker says M1, you need a permit (exemptions and permits).
Who can get a traffic filter permit?
Residents of the Oxford and Oxfordshire permit areas, and about 20 other groups, can get a free permit. Permits are virtual: the cameras read your number plate.
- Oxford permit area residents get 100 day passes a year, and Oxfordshire permit area residents get 25. The council’s map shows which area you’re in.
- A pass is used the first time a car on your permit goes through a filter that day, and lasts until midnight. Two cars on one permit on the same day use two passes. You can have one permit each, with up to three cars on it (permit terms).
- Other permits cover Blue Badge holders, disability benefit claimants, frequent hospital patients, unpaid carers, health and care workers, taxis, car clubs, driving instructors and some business cars, among others (full list).
- Congestion charge permits transferred automatically unless the council told you otherwise.
Apply online, or call 01865 519800 if you can’t. A pending application doesn’t let you through. None of the permit types covers ordinary visitors.
Is there a warning period?
Yes. In the first six months of the trial, your first contravention gets a warning notice instead of a fine. Six months from 28 September 2026 takes it to late March 2027, but the council hasn’t published an exact end date. After that, there are no warnings.
How much is the traffic filter fine?
The fine is a £70 penalty charge notice (PCN), cut to £35 if you pay within 21 days and raised to £105 if it’s unpaid after 28 days (traffic filter fines). The days count from the date of service, two working days after the posting date. The council doesn’t send reminders.
How do I challenge a traffic filter PCN?
Challenge it if you have grounds: for example, the car had a valid permit, it passed outside the filter’s hours, the signs were wrong, or the car wasn’t yours at the time.
- Don’t pay first. The council can’t accept a challenge once a PCN is paid, and won’t extend the 21-day discount if your challenge fails.
- Challenge in writing within 28 days of the date of service, through the council’s appeal page, the form on the back of the PCN, or by post.
- If it’s rejected, you have 28 days to pay or appeal to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal. Appealing is free, but you pay the full penalty if you lose.
Our appeals guide has tips on evidence.
How can I avoid the traffic filters?
The council says you can drive a car to any part of Oxford, including all its hospitals, without going through a filter, though your usual route may change. Check the map before you set off, or use park and ride (travelling to hospital).
How do the filters relate to the Oxford Zero Emission Zone?
They’re separate schemes. The Oxford Zero Emission Zone covers a few city-centre streets, including Cornmarket and Queen Street, and charges any vehicle that isn’t zero emission, vans included, £2 to £10 a day from 7am to 7pm. Unlike the filters, you can pay it, up to six days later. An electric car is free in the ZEZ but still needs a filter permit.
EveryDrive doesn’t track the traffic filters. It does detect the ZEZ and reminds you before the payment deadline. Already missed one? See forgot to pay the Oxford ZEZ?