November Updates

Temporary Congestion Charge

Oxford’s temporary congestion charge scheme came into force on 29 October, 2025. The scheme aims to reduce traffic congestion while Botley Road is closed, improve bus services and make it easier for those with permits—community health and care workers, carers, blue badge holders and traders—to travel by car into and around the city. Charges only apply to cars and those with a valid permit can pass the six charging points free of charge. A daily fee of £5 allows all other cars to go through the six charge locations until the end of the day. Residents can apply for permits and free Park and Ride bus travel is available during the initial three months of the scheme. For full details of the scheme and the charge locations, see the county council’s website.

Bus Improvements

Any surplus income generated by the temporary congestion charge scheme will be ringfenced for transport improvements and, along with free Park & Ride buses for the first three months of the scheme, there have been a large number of improved bus services announced. You’ll find full details on improvements to bus services here.

Car-Free Travel for Families

With the school run, football training, music lessons, cubs or scouts, grocery shopping, days out and so much more to consider when you’ve got a young family, it’s easy to assume you’re going to need a car in Oxford. But as Sarah Edwards found out by looking into the experiences of car-free families in the city, this is certainly not the case. Read about her findings and a host of tips for living in Oxford car free.

St FridesRide

St Frideswide Primary School in Cowley has a new cycle programme which inlcudes a bike library, free repairs, a taster bike bus and plans to include pupils in their new Active Travel Inspectors Scheme to evaluate their school neighborhood to find ways to improve active travel. Read all about the St FridesRide scheme here.

Adult Cycle Training

Have you thought about getting back on your bike or learning to cycle but don’t quite know where to start? Read about Hortenzia’s experience of re-learning to cycle with JoyRiders and regaining her confidence and love of cycling.

Getting into Oxford this Festive Season

Concerned about getting into Oxford this holiday season? We’ve got you covered with this handy guide to great-value, car-free and stress-free ways to access the city centre.

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