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Visiting Oxford? Be prepared for new zero emissions zone charges
01/02/2022
A pilot affecting a small number of streets will eventually be extended to the whole city centre
Drivers taking a trip to Oxford for business or leisure need to be prepared for potential additional costs if they find themselves driving on certain city centre roads from the end of this month. A number of routes are set to become zero emission zones with all petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles incurring a daily charge if they are used.
The scheme will become Britain’s first zero emission zone (ZEZ), going live on February 28.
Initially a pilot will launch in a small number of streets in the city centre. These include 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 be used by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to gain useful insights before introducing a larger zone covering most of Oxford city centre next year. This will be subject to further public consultation.
The charge will vary from £2 to £10 per day depending on the emission levels of the vehicle. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras are being installed to enforce rules within the zone.
Zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, will be allowed to enter the zone free of charge. Whilst all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge some people may be eligible for a discount or exemption.
The Oxford ZEZ will aim to reduce toxic air pollution in the city and encourage people to make positive changes in travel behaviour.
Whilst many cities including London, Birmingham and Manchester, already have clean air zone restrictions and charges for vehicles, Oxford will be the first city in Britain to introduce a ZEZ.
Councillor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, said: “This is a proud moment for our city. The first ZEZ scheme in the country is launching in Oxford. We are taking concrete actions to improve air quality in the city and to make it cleaner and safer.
“I want to thank all the residents and businesses who sent us their feedback on the pilot and worked with us to develop the scheme. Our vision is to create a zero-carbon transport network by 2040 and the ZEZ pilot is an important step towards achieving that vision.
“We will learn from the pilot and in the coming months we will consult with local communities as we develop plans to expand the ZEZ across the city centre. We hope that residents, businesses and visitors will join us in our journey towards a carbon neutral future.”
The facility to make ZEZ payments will be live on the county council’s website on the first day of the pilot. From 28 February, 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. Charges will apply from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week.
Published: by Banbury FM Newsteam