The county council has confirmed that complimentary park and ride bus services in Oxford will remain in place until the conclusion of May.

Oxfordshire County Council has provided free park and ride bus trips since the introduction of the city’s temporary congestion charge in October last year.

The extension until the end of May has now been confirmed.

The congestion levy was brought in as a temporary measure while Botley Road stays shut, which has delayed the commencement of the traffic filter pilot.

The council has stated that the initiative has attracted considerably more users to park and ride facilities and represents one of the ways revenue from the temporary congestion charge is being utilised.

Councillor Andrew Gant, Oxfordshire County Council’s cabinet member for Transport Management said the temporary congestion charge is providing city residents and visitors with quicker trips, improved air quality, less traffic and safer roads. He expressed his delight at being able to continue funding free park and ride bus travel, which further reduces traffic volumes, offers speedier bus services and gives people greater flexibility and ease when travelling to and around the city, including to major hospital locations.

The scheme permits up to two grown-ups and three youngsters to travel without charge to and from park and ride locations in the city with each valid parking ticket.

The complimentary bus trips apply to any Stagecoach, Oxford Bus Company or Thames Travel service that calls at a park and ride location in Oxford, not exclusively designated park and ride routes.