A road safety campaign group has raised concerns about Oxford’s approach to traffic enforcement after a visitor reported accumulating more than £200 in penalties during a single trip to the city.

The warning emerges as local traders express frustration over declining footfall, with anecdotal evidence suggesting some motorists are choosing to steer clear of Oxford entirely rather than risk financial penalties under Oxfordshire County Council’s transport rules.

The development comes after figures revealed that the current congestion pricing scheme is expected to generate a £7.7 million surplus by the time it is phased out in favour of traffic filters.

This figure exceeds initial projections by more than £4 million, with charges set at £5 daily and additional fines for violations.

According to a post shared on social media by Mark Clegg, his family made a day trip to Oxford in two vehicles without awareness of the congestion charge or bus lane restrictions.

The family subsequently received two separate penalty charge notices along with associated fees from their vehicle hire company.

The total cost reached £225 for the two cars.

Clegg stated the family would not be returning to Oxford.

This account mirrors reports from Wheatley residents who spoke to this publication in July, noting they had begun travelling to Milton Keynes for shopping purposes due to concerns about the city’s traffic regulations.

Andy Williams, a 61-year-old musician from Taunton, also declared he would never return after receiving a low traffic neighbourhood fine during a visit to the city in May.

Williams had travelled to perform at The Bullingdon venue with his indie folk punk band, The Jamestown Brothers.

Geoff Sutton, representing Reconnecting Oxford, a community transport advocacy organisation, noted that newcomers to the city frequently encounter what he described as an unwelcome introduction courtesy of the council in the form of a £70 penalty.

Sutton characterised the experience of Clegg’s family as representative of a broader pattern, warning that such incidents contribute to growing reputational harm for Oxford.

Gareth Epps, the Liberal Democrat cabinet member responsible for county transport, stated that all traffic restrictions within Oxford are clearly marked and comply with government guidelines.

He highlighted that the High Street bus gate has operated for more than twenty years.

Epps emphasised that drivers who disregard signage expose themselves to financial penalties and potential further enforcement action.

A county council representative outlined that signage is positioned at multiple locations along routes leading to each charging point.

Additional guidance, including detailed mapping of charging locations, is available through the council’s website.

The spokesperson noted that numerous journeys to and within the city can be completed without passing through any charging zone and that the majority of visitors travel to the city centre via modes other than private cars.

The temporary congestion charging scheme has facilitated improvements to public transport options, including a combined park and ride ticket priced at £3 which covers return journeys for up to five passengers along with sixteen hours of parking.