Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone begins in Oxford

Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) has started in Oxford on 28 February, and will charge all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, unless eligible for a discount or exemption.

Zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, can enter the pilot area free of charge. The ZEZ pilot will operate from 7am - 7pm, all year around.

The charge will vary from £2 to £10 per day depending on the emission levels of the vehicle. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed to enforce the zone.

Launching as a pilot, the streets included in the ZEZ are: New Road, between Bonn Square and its junction with Castle Street; Bonn Square; Queen Street; Cornmarket Street; New Inn Hall Street; Shoe Lane; Market Street, from Cornmarket junction east for 40 metres; Ship Street; and St Michael’s Street.

The ZEZ pilot will allow Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to gain useful insights before introducing a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre next year (2023), subject to further public consultation.

A range of exemptions and discounts are available for businesses and residents in the zone.

From today, ZEZ charges for driving a polluting vehicle can be paid up to six days in advance, on the day the vehicle is driven in the zone, and up to six days after the vehicle has been driven inside the zone.

Funds raised by the ZEZ will be used to cover implementation and running costs of the scheme. Any remaining funds will be used to help residents and businesses make the transition to zero emission vehicles, and on other schemes that promote zero and low emission transport in the city.

Transport emissions currently account for 17 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Oxford. Over the past few years, air pollution levels in the city have plateaued following a period of significant improvements in air quality, due in part to the introduction of a low emission zone for buses in 2014 and government funding to install cleaner bus engines. The zero emission zone pilot and its expansion into a larger area offers the opportunity to ensure a further reduction in air pollution levels.