A councillor is cycling around Oxford with signs to help raise money for the legal battle against the congestion charge.
Motorists face a £5 charge for driving through six roads in the city at certain times without a permit.
New campaign group Open Roads for Oxford was set up to launch a legal challenge against Oxfordshire County Council, who approved the scheme in September.
Councillor David Henwood has cycled every day between Monday and Friday this week to help raise awareness and money for the GoFundMe online fundraiser.
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The GoFundMe online fundraiser has already raised more than £9,300, which does not include additional direct donations to the group.
Speaking on Thursday, (December 4) he said: “I had some bemused looks today, along with some that thought I am plain nuts cycling in the rain.
“A younger David enjoyed the rain, but I must admit I struggled today.
“I went from Littlemore up to the Slade today and then turned left at the Headington Roundabout towards Headington and down through Hollow Way and back out onto the cycle track near Tesco's and back to Littlemore.
“I will do the same route tomorrow as I'm not ready to do a complete lap of the bypass yet!”
Councillor David Henwood is cycling to raise money for the congestion charge legal challenge (Image: Councillor David Henwood)
Mr Henwood said he would aim to cycle every day in the run up to Christmas.
He added that he hoped people would visit the website and donate directly, but that if motorists cannot stop but want to pay, he would donate a pound for each beep.
He has vocally opposed the congestion charge since it was announced, stating that it would “punish” residents and “damage” businesses.
A total of 74 per cent of respondents said the scheme would have a negative impact in the council’s own public consultation, and almost 14,000 people signed a petition against it.
The county council say the congestion charge will reduce traffic, improve bus journey times and make it easier for certain groups, including carers and blue badge holders, to get around the city.
Congestion charge sign on St Cross Street (Image: Ed Nix)
A spokesperson said: “The temporary congestion charge has been implemented to reduce traffic in the city during Network Rail’s extended closure of Botley Road, making journeys quicker, more connected, more flexible and more reliable.
“The county council will publish data about the scheme’s impacts during its first month of operation next week (Monday, December 8).
Pro-walking and cycling groups and local taxi companies have supported the scheme.
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The congestion charge is due to end when Botley Road reopens in August 2026.
It will be replaced by the traffic filter trial, where motorists will be fined up to £70 for driving through the same roads affected by the congestion charge.
The legal challenge also seeks to prevent the traffic filter trial from going ahead.
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