Congestion charge 'necessary step' supporters say

Supporters say bringing in a congestion charge for Oxford is a "necessary step" towards "cleaner, calmer, more connected streets".

Twenty-five businesses and groups have now signed an open letter welcoming the idea - and have held a rally to gain more support in Oxford.

Meanwhile, more than 11,000 signatures have been added to the Stop the Congestion Charge petition, which says it is "essentially another tax" that will hit those that can least afford it.

If approved, the temporary measures will mean a £5 daily charge for cars passing through six points in Oxford - unless they have a permit.

The open letter has now been signed by CPRE Oxfordshire - the countryside charity, Climate Collective Oxford and cycling group Cyclox, among others.

Siobhann Mansel-Pleydell of Oxfordshire Liveable Streets, which has also signed, said: "What Oxford faces is a bit of a chicken-and-egg scenario.

"We've got too much congestion so the buses can't move, people aren't using the buses, the fares are going up.

"Congestion is driving, effectively, an inefficient and unsustainable transport system."

She said she expects the £5 charge to make a difference.

"What we're expecting to see from the modelling is that the congestion charge will help to reduce the traffic, it will enhance the uptake of the use of the Park and Ride and it's going to reduce bus fares," she added.

"So overall we're expecting it to have quite a big impact on the way people move around in our city."

The proposals have attracted criticism from elsewhere - with the Oxford Business Action Group saying it is a "punitive" and "regressive" scheme that will affect businesses and residents.

A consultation is open until 3 August, with a decision by Oxfordshire County Council expected in September.

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