Platinum Pillows Guide to the New Oxford Traffic Filters: What You Need to Know


From September 28th 2026, and in conjunction with the re-opening of the Botley Road, Oxfordshire County Council are replacing the Temporary Congestion Charge Scheme designed to reduce traffic while the Botley Road was closed to its long awaited and planned experimental Traffic Filter Scheme. Here’s what you, as a Platinum Pillows Management Client, or Platinum Pillows guest visiting Oxford need to know so there are no surprises.


What Is the Scheme?

The Traffic Filter Scheme is a camera-enforced point on a road where certain types of traffic aren't allowed through at certain times. The Six trial Traffic Filters in Oxford only restrict cars without a permit. Cars with valid permits or exemptions and all other vehicles can travel through them at any time. 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 Traffic Filter charging point when the Traffic Filter is in operation without a valid permit, you will receive a £70 fine, this will be reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days. If you do not pay the fine within 28 days, it increases to £105


Advice for Platinum Pillows Guests

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

  • Check the location of your accommodation. If your accommodation is inside or beyond a Traffic Filter charging point, driving in and out during the times that the Traffic Filter is in operation and if you are going to be using a car regularly as a mode of travel, Consider alternative routes. All journeys can be planned to avoid the ANPR camera Traffic Filter 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 Traffic Filter Scheme


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 when the Traffic Filter Scheme is in operation. The Traffic Filter on Hollow Way is only in operation between the hours of 7am to 9am and 3pm to 6pm Monday – Saturday. Anytime outside of these times and you will not receive a fine 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.