Traffic News

Oxford Traffic Filter Scheme

It looks as if Oxford’s controversial traffic filter scheme will come into force soon, replacing the temporary congestion charge.  It was put on hold while the Botley Road work was being carried out.  It is now said that Botley Road will be reopen on 20 September.  It seems therefore that the filter scheme will come into effect soon thereafter, although we have not seen anything official to confirm this.

The filter scheme is the latest attempt to resolve Oxford’s chronic traffic congestion problem.  The basic idea if to deter drivers from driving through the centre of Oxford to get from one part of the city to another, and so compel them to go round the ring road instead.  This is to be achieved by stopping them from going through five strategically-placed filter points.  If you live in Oxford you will be allowed permits enabling you to pass through a filter on 100 days per year.  If you live in other parts of the county, you get 25.  If you live anywhere else, you won’t get any.

For a full explanation of the scheme and how to apply for permits, follow this link:

https://blogs.oxfordshire.gov.uk/traffic-filters/?fbclid=IwY2xjawTekBxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEe1hKDw0UGmdVrSRDWB42gTsznfVFhXZmpEZgG7dHQ3IQAjB93fIaN813RKR4_aem_vmVRIgmdDUWUyOiMnHC89g

In Other News - Electric Vehicle Charging

WODC press release:

Oxfordshire residents without off-street parking can now apply for a cable channel that will allow them to charge an electric vehicle (EV) outside their own home.

EV charging cable channels are an affordable and convenient solution for people who want to drive an electric car but don’t have a driveway – estimated to be around 30 per cent of households.

They allow the cable from a home charger to safely cross the pavement and connect to an EV parked on the street without causing a trip hazard.

Five hundred EV charging cable channels are now available in the county, with a government grant of £700,000 greatly reducing the up-front cost of the channel and its installation.

Find out more, including a link to the application form, and more details on eligibility here: https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/environment-and-planning/climate-action/electric-vehicles/ev-cable-channel?fbclid=IwY2xjawTeq6FleHRuA2FlbQIxMABzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEevGN_74fny_ZGPjv9DsOaBwzY68gJeyTYt3UyxkSHQiPVfPYqDn9z_UJhl8I_aem_eqlguV-VegjtjGoD2uTF2g

Editors' comment: It’s not clear to us how you can ensure that someone else has not already left their car in front of your house where you need your car to be in order for you to charge it.  Expect to see lots of privately-owned no parking cones as residents try to defend their territory.