Driving charges · Congestion charge
Oxford temporary congestion charge (ended) / traffic filter trial
Six charge points on main roads in Oxford (signed with a red 'C'); now the six trial traffic filter locations.
Who pays
Cars (and motorhomes, DVLA type M1) without a permit - traffic filters only restrict cars. No payment option under the trial.
When it applies
Discounts and exemptions
- Traffic filter permits (existing congestion charge permits transferred automatically); Oxford permit area residents get 100 free day passes a year, Oxfordshire permit area residents 25
How to pay
No longer possible to pay to pass: from 28 September 2026 car drivers cannot pay the £5 charge; drive through only with a permit. Historic congestion charges for travel up to 27 September 2026 were payable online by midnight the day after travel.
Payment deadline
If you don't pay
Congestion charge PCN (for non-payment under the old scheme): £70, reduced to £35 within 14 days, rising to £105 after 28 days. Traffic filter PCN amount not confirmed this session.
Good to know
STATUS: CHARGE ENDED 28 September 2026 (today). Notice to terminate the Oxford Congestion Charging Order 2025 dated 21 September 2026; the charge is not signed or enforced from 28 September 2026 and is replaced by a traffic filter trial under an experimental traffic regulation order (up to 18 months, six-month consultation). Electric cars are not exempt from the filters. Vans, motorbikes, lorries and other non-M1 vehicles can pass at all times. Kept here only so map users know the old £5 charge no longer applies.
Sources: www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporar · www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporar · www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporar · www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxfords-temporar · www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/sites/default/files/file/roads-and-tr · www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/transport-and-travel/oxford-traffic-f · news.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filter-trial-starts-in-oxfor