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Oxford has had it
Lib Dem council's new anti-car permit scheme leaves Oxford city centre gridlocked and businesses crippled.
In brief
Lib Dem council's new anti-car permit scheme leaves Oxford city centre gridlocked and businesses crippled. Oxfordshire County Council's traffic filters have caused severe congestion and business disruption in Oxford city centre, with residents blaming the scheme for making the area inaccessible. Originally reported by…
Oxford city centre gridlocked
Oxford city centre experienced severe traffic congestion on Sunday, October 11, 2026, with drivers stuck for hours.
New anti-car permit scheme
Oxfordshire County Council introduced a £70 fine for drivers passing through six key points without a permit.
Traffic filters operate 7am-7pm
Traffic filters operate between 7am and 7pm on Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road, and St Clement's Street.
Peak hour restrictions
Two filters operate only during peak hours: 7am-9am and 3pm-6pm, Monday to Saturday.
Permit requirements
Permits are available for residents, Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, firefighters, and approved driving instructors.
Business disruption
Business leaders claim the scheme is destroying Oxford's economic hub by increasing journey times and deterring visitors.
Mother stranded in car park
A mother was trapped in Westgate Shopping Centre's multi-storey car park for three hours with her two young children.
Car park staff hand out water
Car park staff handed out water to drivers stuck in the car park for hours due to traffic delays.
Council blames Half Marathon
Oxfordshire County Council stated the weekend's chaos was caused by the Oxford Half Marathon event attended by 15,000 people.
Westgate car park impact
Westgate Oxford acknowledged traffic filters are impacting businesses in the city centre, especially without major public transport investment.
Traffic filters replace congestion charge
The traffic filters replace a temporary £5 congestion charge introduced in October 2025.
Low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs)
Oxford introduced low traffic neighbourhoods (LTNs) in 2021 to prevent cars from taking shortcuts down residential streets.
Criticism of LTNs
Florence Pugh's father Clinton Pugh criticized LTNs for destroying the Cowley Road economic hub and affecting 250 businesses.
Council's response
Oxfordshire County Council said they will monitor the traffic filter trial and consider measures to improve city centre flow.
Oxford Bus Company disruption
Oxford Bus Company reported significant disruption due to roadworks and traffic filters.
Residents' complaints
Residents claim the traffic filters are too expensive and difficult to travel into Oxford, leaving shops boarded up.
The takeaway
Oxfordshire County Council's traffic filters have caused severe congestion and business disruption in Oxford city centre, with residents blaming the scheme for making the area inaccessible.
