Oxford pilots zero emission zone

A pilot scheme to charge non-zero emissions vehicles in Oxford city centre began on 28 February, following an announcement by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. The scheme was described as Britain’s first zero emissions zone (ZEZ).

Under the plans, motorists of petrol, diesel and hybrid vehicles will initially be charged for driving in a ‘red zone’ made up of Bonn Square, Queen Street, Cornmarket Street and portions of Market Street, Ship Street, St Michael’s Street, New Inn Hall Street and Shoe Lane. A wider area covering the rest of the city centre is due to arrive in 2023, following the trial and further public consultation.

While zero emissions vehicles can enter the zone for free, all petrol, diesel and hybrid owners will be charged between £2 and £10 per day depending on their emissions levels. Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras will detect vehicles entering the ZEZ and check their emissions against a database.

Charges apply from 7am to 7pm, 365 days per year and cover the entire day, so a vehicle can enter and leave the area multiple times without being charged repeatedly. Charges also don’t apply to vehicles parked in the zone that remain stationary. Payment can be made up to six days before or after a trip into the zone, or on the same day.

Ultra-low emission vehicles emitting CO2 less than 75g/km will be charged £2 per day from 28 February, rising to £4 from August 2025. Low emissions vehicles meeting Euro 4 standards for petrol engines and Euro 6 for diesel engines will be charged £4 initially, going up to £8 from 2025. Meanwhile, any vehicles not meeting the emissions standards will be charged £10 from the end of February, followed by a charge of £20 per day from summer 2025.

Discounts will be available for some drivers, including exemption for Blue Badge holders and disabled tax class vehicles, along with a 90% discount for residents living in the zero emissions zone. Health care workers and business owners in the ZEZ who need to drive into the area will also be able to access a discounted rate, along with students moving in or out of the area for up to six days per academic year.