Oxford councils postpone launch of Zero Emission Zone

Amid the current situation with coronavirus, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have decided to postpone the launch of the Red Zone for the Oxford Zero Emission Zone.

Original’s et to launch in December, the councils issued a statement saying that during this period of uncertainty, businesses should not be expected to devote time to the detailed logistical planning required for the Oxford ZEZ.

However, they stressed that they remain committed to taking climate action to address the need to reduce emissions and offer residents and visitors a cleaner, healthier and safer environment. Although the current formal consultation on the Red Zone is closed, responses submitted so far will be read and saved.

The councils plan to resume the consultation in late 2020, and a view to implement the scheme in the Summer of 2021.

Tom Hayes, cabinet member for Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council, said: “We are all living through an unprecedented crisis. We have to get our priorities right at this time, and that means focusing on the immediate concerns of businesses who are key to the success of the Zero Emission Zone and Connecting Oxford. We can’t expect businesses who are facing Coronavirus challenges right now and potentially for months ahead to prioritise helping to shape the policy or focusing on the logistical planning required for these schemes.”

“I would like to thank everyone who has contributed to our consultations over the past few months and spent many hours shaping the future of our city. I know many people will share our deep disappointment. I am very hopeful that we will resume the timeline for the Oxford Zero Emission Zone and Connecting Oxford. I hope everyone stays safe during this time and we wish our businesses and citizens well.”