The Oxford zero emission zone is the first zero emission zone (ZEZ) in the United Kingdom. Launched on 28 February 2022, the scheme covers nine streets in the city centre of Oxford. All non-electric vehicles (including hybrids) driving on these roads between 7 am to 7 pm are subject to a fee between £2 and £10, which is expected to double in 2025.
 A zero emission zone shown on road signs (displays 'ZEZ') | |
| Location | Oxford City Centre |
|---|---|
| Launched | 28 February 2022 |
| Technology |
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| Manager | Oxford City Council 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 determine 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]
Implementation
editA 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][10] Oxford's ZEZ was the first of its kind in the UK.[11]
Operation
editUnlike other low emission schemes in the United Kingdom, which operate 24/7, the Oxford ZEZ is in operation from 7 am to 7 pm daily, 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 charged more. However, as of 2024[update], these fees remain lower than London's £12.50 Ultra Low Emissions charge.[12]
The initial proposals could more accurately be described as a "congestion charge", as any vehicle can enter on payment of a charge but this will change in the future.[13][14] 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.[15] The fees are expected to double in August 2025.[16]
References
edit- ^ a b "Oxford city centre zero emissions zone study launched". BBC News. 2017-03-10. Archived from the original on 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2024-08-01.
- ^ a b "Oxford city centre to become low emission zone on 1 January [2014]". BBC News. 31 December 2013. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ "Bristol Clean Air Zone raises £26m in one year". BBC News. January 16, 2024.
- ^ "Newcastle's Clean Air Zone generates more than £500,000". BBC News. September 26, 2023. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
- ^ "Clean air zones: What is the money raised spent on?". BBC News. June 16, 2024. Archived from the original on August 21, 2024. Retrieved August 21, 2024.
- ^ "Oxford city centre drivers face £10 charge next year". BBC News. 2020-01-07. Archived from the original on 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Coronavirus: Oxford zero emissions zone postponed". BBC News. 25 March 2020. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ "Oxford Zero Emission Zone: Final consultation completed - BBC News". BBC News. 9 March 2021. Archived from the original on 1 August 2024. Retrieved 1 August 2024.
- ^ "Oxford's Zero Emission Zone pilot to begin in February". BBC News. 2022-01-28. Archived from the original on 2024-08-01. Retrieved 2024-08-02.
- ^ "Oxford's zero emission zone faces hypocrisy claim". BBC News. 21 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ Gardner, Tom (7 February 2024). "Oxfordshire County Council to decide on expansion of Zero Emission Zone". Cherwell. Retrieved 18 September 2024.
- ^ "Paying the ULEZ charge - Transport for London". tfl.gov.uk. Archived from the original on 1 August 2023. Retrieved 9 August 2023.
- ^ Oxford City Council (20 March 2020). "Oxford's Zero Emission Zone – 20/03/2020 update". Oxford City Council. Archived from the original on 21 June 2020. Retrieved 18 June 2020.
- ^ "Oxford's zero emission zone faces hypocrisy claim". BBC News. 21 February 2024. Archived from the original on 11 September 2024. Retrieved 11 September 2024.
- ^ "Oxford Is Creating a World First Zero Emission Zone by 2035". ScienceAlert. 13 October 2017.
- ^ Charges for Oxford's zero emission zone (ZEZ) Archived 2024-08-02 at the Wayback Machine. Oxfordshire County Council. Retrieved 2 August 2023