The Oxford zero emission zone (ZEZ) is a low emission zone (LEZ) in England, covering nine streets in Oxford city centre. All non-electric vehicles (including hybrids) are subject to a fee.
 A zero emission zone shown on road signs (displays 'ZEZ') | |
| Location | Oxford City Centre |
|---|---|
| Launched | 28 February 2022 |
| Technology |
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| Manager | Oxfordshire County Council |
| Currency | Pound sterling |
| Retailed |
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| Website | Official website |
History
editIn 2017, a £30,000 joint study was launched by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to determining whether a zero emission zone would be a useful way to reduce air pollution in the city centre and along the main transport routes.[1] The city had already been a low-emission zone since 2014, which applied to buses,[1] since buses accounted for up to 80% of the pollution in the city centre.[2] At the time of the original study, Oxford was slated to become the UK's second city LEZ after London introduced one in 2008.[2] Subsequently, managed clean air zones have been introduced in several other cities, including Bath, Bristol[3] and Tyneside.[4][5]
A consultation was put in place in 2020, with the hope of launching the ZEZ in December that year.[6] Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, this was delayed.[7] The scheme was approved by both councils in March 2021,[8] with the ZEZ to start operation in nine streets on 28 February 2022 as a pilot program.[9]
Operation
editUnlike other low emission schemes in the UK which operate 24/7, the Oxford ZEZ is in operation from 07:00 to 19:00 (7am to 7pm) everyday and applies to all non-electric vehicles, including hybrids. The charges for petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles range from £2 to £10, with the most polluting vehicles being charged more. However, as of 2024, these fees remain lower than London's £12.50 Ultra Low Emissions charge.[10]
The initial proposals could more accurately be described as a 'low emission zone' or 'ultra low emission zone' as any vehicle can enter on payment of a charge, but this will change in the future.[11]
The ambition for the scheme is that it will gradually expand to cover most of Oxford by 2035. This plan means that Oxford could become the world's first transport-carbon emission-free city.[12] The fees are expected to double in August 2025.[13]
References
edit- ^ a b "Oxford city centre zero emissions zone study launched". BBC News. 2017-03-10. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b "Oxford city centre to become low emission zone on 1 January [2014]". BBC News. 31 December 2013.
- ^ "Bristol Clean Air Zone raises £26m in one year". January 16, 2024 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Newcastle's Clean Air Zone generates more than £500,000". September 26, 2023 – via www.bbc.co.uk.
- ^ "Clean air zones: What is the money raised spent on?". BBC News. June 16, 2024.
- ^ "Oxford city centre drivers face £10 charge next year". BBC News. 2020-01-07. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Coronavirus: Oxford zero emissions zone postponed". BBC News. 25 March 2020.
- ^ "Oxford Zero Emission Zone: Final consultation completed - BBC News". BBC News. 9 March 2021.
- ^ "Oxford's Zero Emission Zone pilot to begin in February". BBC News. 2022-01-28. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Paying the ULEZ charge - Transport for London". tfl.gov.uk. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ Oxford City Council (20 March 2020). "Oxford's Zero Emission Zone – 20/03/2020 update". Oxford City Council. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ "Oxford Is Creating a World First Zero Emission Zone by 2035". ScienceAlert. 13 October 2017.
- ^ Charges for Oxford's zero emission zone (ZEZ). Oxfordshire County Council. Retrieved 2 August 2023