Council urged to axe hated £5 daily charge just days after launch | UK | News
A council in the UK is facing anger over a controversial congestion charging scheme just days after it was officially launched. Liberal Democrat-run Oxfordshire County Council is set to introduce a £5-a-day charge for driving on selected roads in Oxford this week, but is already facing a major backlash. Local authority councilors have tabled a motion against the plan at next week’s meeting, saying it is “unfair, harmful to the local economy and lacks public support”.
The motion, which will be debated less than a week after the first driver was charged, calls for the scheme to be ended immediately to ensure similar measures are not implemented “without the full participation and support of the public”. The congestion charge, which could also lead to a £70 fine for those who break the rules, was agreed by 10 cabinet members who called it “an important milestone in delivering a cleaner, more accessible Oxford”.
Applies to vehicles traveling on St Cross Road, St Clements, Hollow Way and Marston Ferry Road.
Independent Oxford Alliance councilor David Henwood, who put forward the motion, suggested a public council debate should be held before the plan comes into force.
He also said Oxford Post While the vote will have “no impact” on the future of congestion charge measures, it will show “not all councilors are in favour”.
“Even if it continues, it’s right that we discuss it,” Mr Henwood said. “This gives them the opportunity to voice their concerns about the plan and hopefully the administration will listen.”
Campaign group Open Roads for Oxford has also threatened legal action against the scheme, claiming public consultation responses were not properly taken into account.
One of the organisers, said: “The consultation was rushed and under-publicised, the results were effectively ignored and we believe the decision was predetermined.” he said.
“This is a fight for the future of Oxford. If we act now, we can stop these punitive plans from moving forward. Together, we can protect our city’s economy, culture and society from irreversible damage.”
Council leader Liz Leffman said: “The congestion charge [benefits such as improving public transport and safer streets] and this has enabled significant improvements to bus services and three months of free bus travel from our Park and Ride sites.
“Once the program is implemented, further benefits will be provided, for example, while protecting the interests of commercial vehicles, carers, hospital patients, blue badge holders and others.”
