r/oxford

I've just received an email from Oxfordshire County Council and thought I'd share the key points as the wording might be confusing.

So sharing this to hopefully help.

• The temporary congestion charge ends on 28 September 2026.
• If you already have an Oxford resident's permit, you do not need to do anything.
• Your current permit will automatically transfer to the new Traffic Filter scheme.
• You'll receive 100 free day passes per year to drive through the traffic filters.
• Your pass count will reset on 28 September, meaning everyone starts with a fresh allocation of 100 passes.
• Any unused day passes under the current scheme will not carry over.

The biggest change:

• The current £5 daily charge option is being removed.
• At the moment, drivers without a permit can pay £5 to use the restricted routes.
• From 28 September, that will no longer be possible.
• If you don't have a valid permit or day pass, you won't be allowed to drive through the traffic filters during their operating hours.

A few other points:

• The traffic filter trial will run for up to 18 months.
• A permit only allows you to use the six traffic filter locations. It does not allow you to drive through bus gates, LTNs, school streets, or other restricted routes.
• The council says all areas of Oxford will remain accessible by car, although some journeys may require alternative routes.

Does anyone have any tips on how to get letting agencies here to ACTUALLY read my application? It seems they all stop the moment I mention a pet and I am immediately not even considered for any viewing.

Has anyone used the Santander work cafe in town is it free to use? And would you recommend any other good alternative work cafe in Oxford?

Just as the title, low flying helicopter circling the cowley/iffley road area for the last hour or so, anyone know why??

One of my kids lost their backpack (basically full of stuffed toys). We thought we left it on a bus, so we filled in their online form, but none was found. I tried the police station online form, but it said they wouldn't have it so could not submit a query (since the contents are not valuable). Are there any other places to check? We took it from one bus stop in Littlemore (Catholic Church) towards town (James St) then had the short walk home.

Are there any other places we can check? We have done the route a couple of times looking for the bag now, but no luck. Thanks!

Helicopters have been circling for about an hour. Anyone know what’s going on?

I will not be able to attend the half and will therefore sell my ticket for this year.

I experienced some extremely toxic behaviour on a GWR train from Oxford to London Paddington this morning. I (40F) boarded the train with my two children and had three seats reserved. Two were empty, so my kids could immediately sit down, the third seat was occupied by a male in his late 20s (black tshirt, glasses, petit/small built) who refused to get up and used offensive and racist language towards me. The entire coach A just stayed quiet. Eventually, he vacated the seat but the fact that nobody interfered or offered me assistance and that behaviour like this towards women is tolerated on GWR trains is mind boggling to me. Thinking about you all female commuters - stay safe!

Update: reported to the GWR Police

Update 2: They responded and have CCTV footage.

Hi all, we’re hoping to get some helpful advice from the Oxford community. We’re currently renting but have hazardous conditions in our apartment that can’t be fixed anytime soon. We’re looking at moving as quickly as possible, but we saw that the community has advised against Chancellors. The market seems to have gone up in price since several months ago as well.

What are the best letting agents? Does anyone have any experience with Elwood? Any other agents we should avoid?

I drove through and saw at least 7 police cars and an ambulance with North Way closed off - any idea what’s happened?

I've been invited to a birthday party hosted by a very good Indian friend, and she's requested that we wear Indian dress.

First of all, what sort of clothing is appropriate (shalmar khameez?), and secondly, and recommendations for shops in the local area?

I'm sure my wife would also welcome some pointers (sari?).

The party won't be super-formal, but we do want to look smart (and not like we're in fancy dress).

Pointers?

And recs for salons in Oxford with good student discounts for cutting long hair?

I'm turning 27 soon, and haven't done a birthday party with friends in about 15 years lol, But I was thinking of having a small birthday party with 5-8 friends.
I'm not a drinker, I don't mind going to the pub though but I feel like other activities would be more fun for me.
I don't wanna do it at home, so I'd prefer an activity, maybe something arty/crafty.
(Something of a similar vibe to like a pottery painting cafe, but not that specifically bc another of my friends is doing the same for their birthday.)
I'd also be open to suggestions of like quirky things like axe throwing or something similar but arty/crafty vibes are preferable :D, like if you know of specific things in Oxford you can book.