Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone begins in Oxford

A pilot of Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone has started in Oxford ahead of the introduction of a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre in 2023.

The ZEZ pilot will allow Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to gain useful insights before the larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre comes into play next year, subject to further public consultation.

Transport emissions currently account for 17 per cent of greenhouse gas emissions in Oxford. All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge unless eligible for a discount or exemption. However, zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, can enter the pilot area free of charge. The charge will vary from £2 to £10 per day depending on the emission levels of the vehicle.

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.

Tom Hayes, deputy leader of Oxford City Council, said: “The start of the zero emission zone pilot is a landmark event for the city of Oxford and our journey to tackle toxic air pollution and reduce our carbon emissions. For five years the City Council and I have been engaging with businesses and citizens to develop the zero emission zone, and I want to thank everyone for sharing their passion for cleaner air and knowledge about how to pragmatically achieve it. We will be using the learnings from this pilot to inform the expansion of the zone to the wider city centre in 2023.”