Drivers left furious as major congestion charge set to continue for months amid road delays

Drivers in Oxford have been warned of further disruption after the reopening of Botley Road was delayed again, resulting in the city's temporary congestion charge continuing.

Network Rail has confirmed the key route will remain closed beyond the end of August after additional gas network measures were revealed during construction.

It now means Oxfordshire County Council's planned traffic filter trial cannot begin on September 14, as previously announced.

The trial was due to replace the temporary congestion charge, but would only be able to start once Botley Road reopened.

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A new date for the reopening has not yet been confirmed. The temporary congestion charge was introduced while Botley Road remained closed and the traffic filter trial was unable to begin.

It charges £5 a day to pass through six charging locations in Oxford and applies to cars and motorhomes, while vans, motorbikes, mopeds, scooters and lorries do not have to pay.

The congestion charge also applies to motorists travelling to several major car parks, including Westgate, Oxford railway station, Oxpens and Worcester Street, unless they have a permit.

Motorists with permits, including day passes, can also pass through the charging locations without paying, with the charge operating all year round, including bank holidays.

Drivers who fail to pay can face a £70 fine, reduced to £35 if paid within 14 days, although the penalty can rise to £105 if it is not paid within 28 days.

The council explained the scheme will remain in place until the traffic filters trial begins after Botley Road reopens.

However, the continued closure means motorists will now face further uncertainty over how long they will have to pay.

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Network Rail said three minor gas leaks were recently found during excavation work connected to drainage for the new road.

The gas network is owned by SGN, which will now replace a section of its network beneath Botley Road, and is expected to take around four to six weeks.

Network Rail explained the work would be necessary to improve safety and avoid further disruptive repairs in the future.

SGN will replace the old metal pipe with a longer-lasting plastic one to help maintain a safe and reliable gas supply to homes, businesses and the local community.

Tim Walden, Network Rail Great Western Route's capital delivery director, said: "We know this news will be deeply disappointing for residents, businesses and everyone who relies on Botley Road, and we're very sorry for the continued disruption and uncertainty this will cause.

"Our teams, across SGN and Network Rail, are working as hard as possible to complete the remaining work and minimise delays, while keeping the community informed with regular updates."

Councillor Gareth Epps, Oxfordshire County Council's Cabinet Member for Transport Management, said: "This is frustrating news for residents and businesses who have endured this closure for far too long as it is."

He said the council could not yet confirm when the traffic filter trial would begin or when the temporary congestion charge would end.

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