Britain’s first Zero Emissions Zone is now live in Oxford. The zero emissions zone will allow the local councils to collect vital insights into vehicle movements before introducing a larger Zero Emission Zone in Oxford City Centre next year.
Zero emission zone expansion plans
Councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford, Oxford City Council has been engaging with businesses and citizens over the past 5 years to develop the zero-emission zone. Tom commented: ‘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. 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.’
‘Zero Emissions Zone; a landmark event’
Oxford’s zero emissions zone will be in place from 7am-7pm, 365 days of the year. Unless eligible for a discount or exemption, all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will pay a daily charge. Charges will vary from £2-£10 dependant on the levels of emissions on certain vehicle types. However, electric vehicles and other zero emissions vehicles can enter the zone free of charge.
To and enforce the zone, automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras have been installed. This will allow councils to monitor the Zero emissions zone and regulate discounts and exemptions for businesses and residents.
