Oxford residents are not seeing any advantage from the revenue collected through the congestion charge, according to a senior city politician.
Anna Railton has called on Oxfordshire County Council to direct funds from penalties and the £5 daily charge toward reduced-price bus fares for people living in the city.
The Labour cabinet member responsible for net zero on the city council stated that it seems unreasonable for visitors to the city to receive complimentary travel via park and ride facilities, while those residing within the ring road have no reason to utilise such services.
This discussion arises as Oxfordshire County Council extended its complimentary bus travel offer for those parking at park and ride sites until the conclusion of May.
Ms Railton expressed concern that local people are not gaining from this arrangement. After five months, residents are still awaiting reductions in fares for those who call Oxford home. She believes the 50 percent of congestion charge revenue that remains unspent should go toward providing bus fare concessions for Oxford inhabitants. She argued it seems unreasonable that visitors from outside the city can travel by bus at no cost due to the congestion charge, whereas those who actually reside in the city cannot enjoy the same benefit.
In January alone, Oxfordshire County Council collected £1,044,640, with £757,435 originating from the 25,087 penalties issued and the remainder from £5 payments.
From the scheme’s launch on October 29 through to the end of January, the most recent figures available, the council amassed £1,715,667.
Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member responsible for transport management, stated that increased park and ride usage undoubtedly helps everyone, including those living within the city. He noted this makes roads safer and reduces traffic, and has brought substantial improvements to Abingdon Road in Ms Railton’s electoral division.
Mr Gant suggested Labour has once again become entangled in its own inconsistencies, pointing out they oppose Liberal Democrat policies that have delivered improved air quality, fewer accidents, enhanced cycling and walking routes, safer streets and considerably better public transport services.
He added that Ms Railton’s comments clearly indicate Labour has no interest in benefits for those living outside Oxford who nevertheless make enormous contributions to the city’s vitality and economy, which the council values.
The temporary congestion charge, combined with the complimentary park and ride scheme it funds, is providing advantages for both residents and visitors through quicker journeys, improved bus services, cleaner air, decreased traffic and safer roads.
The priority remains lowering car usage within the city, and encouraging park and ride schemes represents an effective method of achieving this goal.
The city council has also backed park and ride usage by establishing three park and ride facilities offering more than 3,500 parking spaces, and previously jointly funded a discounted combined park and ride ticket scheme.
Additional proposals regarding how congestion charge revenue could be spent will be reviewed by the council’s cabinet at a public meeting scheduled for later this spring.
However, the congestion charge is not producing sufficient income to enable meaningful fare reductions available to all bus users in Oxford.
Oxford Bus Company has noted an eight percent rise in passenger numbers since the congestion charge commenced in October.
Luke Marion, managing director of Oxford Bus Company and Thames Travel, expressed support for the extended complimentary park and ride arrangement, observing that decreased traffic is resulting in faster bus services.
This development has led to increased frequency on routes 5A, 100 and 700, the introduction of a new route 20, quicker journeys across south Oxfordshire and improved connections for Rose Hill, Littlemore and the Iffley Road area.
He stated that complimentary travel on park and ride services is proving successful and expressed hope it would be maintained for the entire duration of the temporary congestion charge, providing certainty for all parties, particularly city centre businesses preparing for the important summer period.