Today new plans for dealing with traffic on Oxford’s congestion-filled roads will be revealed by Oxfordshire County Council in response to bus company fears about "devasting" disruption.
The county council already has plans to introduce traffic filters on six roads in Oxford which means certain types of vehicles could be fined for driving through the road without a permit.
It aims to reduce traffic in the city, reduce air pollution and help buses run more quickly, but has caused controversy with some arguing it unfairly punishes motorists and could harm businesses.
The trial for the scheme was meant to be introduced in August 2023 but it was delayed after Botley Road was closed to allow for Network Rail to upgrade Oxford Station.
Network Rail announced in late January that Botley Road would not reopen until August 2026 which meant the traffic filter trial was delayed until after then.
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Oxford Bus Group has urged the county council to find a “Plan B” and that traffic was at “emergency levels”.
The county council has drafted new plans to deal with congestion, which will be discussed by the cabinet at the next meeting on Tuesday, June 17.
The options on the table will be revealed later today when the meeting papers go live early evening.
Speaking ahead of the big reveal, Andrew Gant, county council cabinet member for transport management, said: “This is a genuine attempt to deal with a real problem that has been highlighted for us by the bus companies and others.
“[They] have told us that the situation has got to emergency levels, and they simply cannot wait until August 2026.
“We have an absolute responsibility to act.”
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Group, said: “To further enhance the appeal of travelling of bus, we need journeys to be faster and more reliable than is currently possible.
“Present levels of congestion are having a devastating impact on our city which we’re keen to help resolve through positive discussion.”
Motorists who drive through the filter without a permit would face a £70 fine, which will reduce to £35 if paid within 21 days.
A number of permits are available, including for Blue Badge holders, unpaid carers, school students with special educational needs, cars needed by businesses to carry goods and emergency or health service cars.
The trial comes under an experimental traffic regulation order, which can run for a maximum of 18 months.
Before the election the Lib Dems ran the county council in coalition with the Green group as a minority administration and had a mixed cabinet.
After winning a majority in the local elections, Lib Dems make up the whole of the cabinet.
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