Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot scheme will begin in Oxford on the 28 February 2022. 

All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrid vehicles, driven in the ZEZ will incur a daily charge unless they are eligible for a discount or exemption. In order to secure a discount, drivers must apply for one at least 10 working days before intending to use it.

The pilot scheme is to be launched in a small number of streets in the city centre:  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.

Whilst London has introduced an Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) , and cities such as  Birmingham, Manchester, and Bath have already introduced or are in the process of introducing Clean Air Zone restrictions, Oxford will be the first city in Britain to introduce a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ).

Certain vehicles are  exempt from the charges, or eligible for a discount, and the list of these vehicles can be found here. Enforcement systems such as Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) will be used to identify vehicles that are exempt from charges, removing the need for applications. Zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, are also exempt from the charge. 

The charge will vary from £2 to £10 per day, depending on the emission levels of the vehicle. Specific information regarding charges can be found here. The payment system will be live on the county council’s website from 28 February; ZEZ charges can be paid up to six days in advance, on the day, and up to six days after the vehicle has been driven in the zone. 

The aim of the ZEZ pilot is to “reduce toxic air pollution in the city and encourage people to make positive changes in travel behaviour,” as well as allowing, “Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to gain useful insights before introducing a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre next year, subject to further public consultation.” 

Councilor Tom Hayes, who “has responsibility for delivering the Zero Emission Zone” says, “We have high ambition matched with a pragmatic desire to work with anyone and listen to a range of views; that’s how you meet the climate crisis and clean our dirty air and deliver social justice at the same time.”

Councilor Duncan Enright, Oxfordshire County Council’s Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy, has expressed support and 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.”

Further details of the pilot scheme can be found here.