Oxford plans to pilot zero emission zone

Oxford City Council is planning the introduction of a zero emission zone (ZEZ) Pilot, subject to approval.

Oxford City Council’s Cabinet supported the introduction of the Zero Emission Zone, set for August 2021.

On 16 March, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet will have final sign off on the introduction of the scheme, as the highways authority.

If approved, Oxford will one of the first places in the UK to introduce a Zero Emission Zone.

The ZEZ Pilot will restrict polluting vehicles from key city centre streets during the day. Those who drive polluting vehicles into the zone will be charged, with the level of charge dependent on how polluting the vehicle is.  

The ZEZ Pilot is the first phase of the Zero Emission Zone. It will allow both councils to gain useful experience and information before introducing a larger Zero Emission Zone covering most of Oxford city centre in 2022, subject to further public consultation.

It is intended that the restrictions and exemptions applied within the Pilot will be the same in the expanded ZEZ.