A new traffic filter scheme in Oxford has triggered complaints from residents, motorists and business representatives after severe congestion left drivers waiting for hours to leave the city centre.
The disruption was reported on Sunday, October 11, when motorists became trapped in lengthy queues around the city. Staff at the Westgate Shopping Centre’s multi-storey car park reportedly handed out water to people waiting to exit.
The delays coincided with the Oxford Half Marathon, which attracted approximately 15,000 participants and led to road closures until the middle of the afternoon.
However, some residents believe the traffic filters introduced by Oxfordshire County Council on September 28 have contributed to the worsening congestion.
One mother from Abingdon said she was stranded in the Westgate car park for three hours with her two children, aged six years and 10 months.
She said staff were distributing water to motorists and warning them that the city was gridlocked. She also complained that the council’s emergency highways telephone line was closed when she tried to seek assistance.
The woman said she had visited Oxford during the Half Marathon in previous years but had never experienced traffic delays of that severity.
Drivers Face £70 Fines Under New Traffic Rules
The traffic filter trial was introduced by the Liberal Democrat-led Oxfordshire County Council as part of its efforts to reduce congestion.
Under the scheme, motorists travelling through six designated points without a valid permit during operating hours face a £70 penalty. The fine is reduced to £35 if paid within 21 days.
Four filters operate between 7am and 7pm daily at designated locations on Thames Street, Hythe Bridge Street, St Cross Road and St Clement’s Street.
The remaining two, on Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way, operate during weekday and Saturday peak periods, from 7am to 9am and from 3pm to 6pm.
Permits are available to eligible residents, Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, firefighters and approved driving instructors.
The filters replaced a temporary congestion charge introduced in October last year, which required drivers to pay £5 to use the same six roads.
Since the new measures took effect, residents have complained about increased traffic and longer journey times.
Residents Warn Oxford Is Becoming Difficult to Access
The congestion has prompted concerns about access to Oxford’s shopping areas and the potential consequences for local businesses.
Elizabeth Jones criticised the situation in comments reported by the Oxford Mail, arguing that motorists were finding it increasingly difficult to reach the Westgate Shopping Centre despite the development having a large underground car park.
She said the restrictions were driving motorists away from the city.
Other residents have also raised concerns about the number of boarded-up shops in Oxford, linking the difficulties of travelling into the city with its appeal as a shopping destination.
Business representatives have warned that longer journeys could discourage visitors and affect the economic activity of the city centre.
Oxford Bus Company Reports Service Disruption
The Oxford Bus Company said its services had experienced significant disruption over the weekend.
A company spokesperson said the traffic filter trial had coincided with several roadworks across Oxford, including resurfacing work on Queen Street outside Westgate and works in Cowley.
The spokesperson said the combination of the traffic restrictions and roadworks had disrupted bus operations, adding that the timing of the works could have been better coordinated.
Council Blames Half Marathon for Weekend Congestion
Oxfordshire County Council attributed Sunday’s severe traffic conditions to the Half Marathon, the number of people attending and the road closures associated with the event.
A council spokesperson said the city centre and Westgate car park had been exceptionally busy, with closures remaining in place until mid-afternoon.
The council also said motorists with permits could use the Thames Street exit from the car park, as well as the Botley Road corridor.
Visitors were encouraged to consider the city’s Park and Ride service. According to the council, a combined £3 ticket covers return bus travel for up to five people and parking for up to 16 hours.
The spokesperson said it was still early in the traffic filter trial and that officials would continue to assess its effects.
The council said its monitoring would include an examination of junctions along Botley Road and consideration of additional measures to improve traffic flow.
Westgate Acknowledges Concerns Over Business Access
Westgate Oxford said it recognised the importance of reducing congestion and improving transport connections across the city but acknowledged concerns about the filters’ effects on businesses.
A spokesperson said the restrictions appeared to be affecting city-centre businesses, particularly without significant new investment in alternative public transport options.
The shopping centre confirmed that staff provided water to visitors caught in Sunday’s congestion and apologised to those who experienced lengthy delays.
Westgate said it wanted to work with Oxfordshire County Council to monitor the trial and help ensure that Oxford remained accessible to residents, businesses and visitors.
Traffic Restrictions Follow Earlier Low Traffic Neighbourhood Measures
The traffic filter trial is the latest in a series of measures introduced to reduce vehicle movements in Oxford.
Low traffic neighbourhoods were introduced in the city in 2021 to prevent motorists from using residential streets as shortcuts.
Those measures have also faced criticism from some residents and business owners, who have argued that restrictions have affected access to commercial areas.
Clinton Pugh, a businessman and father of actress Florence Pugh, has been among the critics of the restrictions. He previously accused authorities of damaging the Cowley Road area’s economic activity, where he said approximately 250 businesses operate.
Pugh alleged that businesses had suffered financial losses as a result of the measures.
The county council has said it will continue monitoring the latest trial as it assesses its effects on congestion and movement around Oxford.
