Platinum Pillows Guide to the New Oxford Temporary Congestion Charge Scheme: What You Need to Know


From October 29th 2025, Oxford is introducing a temporary congestion charge scheme designed to reduce traffic while Botley Road is closed and while planned traffic filters are delayed. Here’s what you, as a Platinum Pillows Management Client, or a guest visiting Oxford need to know so there are no surprises.


What Is the Scheme?

  • A £5.00 daily charge will be applied to cars that pass through any of six specified charging locations in Oxford.
  • The charge applies once per day even if you cross multiple charging points, you’ll still just pay the one fee.
  • Cameras using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) will enforce it.


Where, When & Who It Affects

Advice for Platinum Pillows Management Clients

As a Management Agent our priority is the hosting your guests and offering the best experience possible, this is what we can do to help:

  • We will inform guests ahead of arrival. Including information in any on-line listing or welcome pack a note about the congestion charge: which routes are affected, how payments work, where to avoid, etc.
  • We can suggest alternative travel advice. Encourage guests to use park & ride services, public transport, or walking/cycling options when possible.
  • We will keep ourselves and you updated. Since details like permit applications and maps are being finalised, we will be keeping an eye on Oxfordshire County Council’s official pages.

 

 

Permits & Exemptions

Accommodation owners will want to check whether a permit applies; if not, how to manage the charges.

Key points:

  • Permits are free and valid for 12 months. 
  • Eligible groups: blue badge holders; carers; community health/care workers; traders; etc. Also, residents in a central permit area, commuters whose workplaces are in that area. 
  • Residents in the wider Oxford permit area will get a number of day passes for free travel through charge locations:
  • Central permit area residents: unlimited with permit; 50 visitor day passes. 
  • Wider Oxford permit area residents: 100-day passes. 
  • Oxfordshire permit area (outside the core): 25-day passes. 


Fines and Payment

If you drive through a charging point without paying (and without a permit), the fine is £70, reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. Payment must be made online by midnight the next day after passing a charging point. Phone payment options will also be available.


Advice for Platinum Pillows Guests

If you’re planning a stay in Oxford, it’s important to be aware of how the congestion charge could affect your travel:

  • Check the location of your accommodation. If your accommodation is inside or beyond a charging point, driving in and out during the times that the congestion charge is in operation may mean paying the £5.00 daily fee.
  • Plan for the daily charge. If you are going to be using a car regularly as a mode of travel, factor this cost into your stay and make sure that you pay on-line by the deadline to avoid any fines.
  • Consider alternative routes. Some journeys can be planned to avoid the ANPR camera charging points altogether. Before you set off, check your routes to see if you can avoid them.
  • Use public transport instead. Oxford’s buses and park & ride services are a great way to move around the city without worrying about the charge: We will be happy to recommend the most convenient options for your accommodation.


Map of Affected locations

The congestion charge locations are shown on the map below



Accommodation Locations affected Directly by The Congestion Charge


1. Hollow Way – If you are a guest staying at Rana Court Hollow Way The ANPR Camera is located at the Northern end of Hollow Way near to the junction with James Wolfe Road. We would recommend accessing Rana Court from the Garsington/Cowley Road (Southern End) of Hollow Way and avoiding the camera totally. The congestion charge is only in operation on Hollow Way between the hours of 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Monday – Saturday. Anytime outside of these times and you will not be charged if you pass through the charging point ANPR camera, and can access Rana Court from either end, both The Horsepath Driftway/Slade (Northern End) of Hollow Way or The Garsington/Cowley Road (Southern End) of Hollow Way. 

2. Cherwell Gates (St Clements Street) - If you are a guest staying at Cherwell Gates (St Clements Street) The ANPR Camera is located Midway down St Clements Street near to the junctions of Boulter and Jeune Street. We would recommend accessing Cherwell Gates (St Clements Street) from the Southern end of St Clements Street via The Plain Roundabout (This means approaching from either the Cowley Road or Iffley Road) and avoiding the camera totally. The congestion charge is in operation on St Clements Street between the hours of 7am to 7am Monday – Sunday. Outside of these times and you will not be charged if you pass through the charging point ANPR camera, and can access St Clements Street from either end, both The Headington Road/South Park (North East End) of St Clements Street or The Cowley & Iffley Road/Plain Roundabout (South East End) of St Clements Street. 

Why It’s Happening

The congestion charge is being introduced as a temporary measure, because of the continued closure of the Botley Road which has worsened traffic congestion in many areas. Bus journey times have increased; the scheme aims to make buses faster and more reliable, improve air quality, reduce pollution, and make walking & cycling safer

Oxford is an amazing city to work, live in, visit and explore, and with a little planning the new congestion charge doesn’t need to become a problem or an obstacle to your stay. Our Platinum Pillows team is here to help guide, both guests and accommodation owners through these changes so you can focus on enjoying your time in this beautiful historic city.