The first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Britain comes into force in Oxford city centre today (Monday 28 February), with the aim of cutting pollution and driving uptake of electric cars.
Oxford’s ZEZ has begun as a trial scheme covering a small part of the city centre near the castle and main shopping area, and operated from 0700hrs to 1900hrs every day.
Petrols and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, that enter the zone must pay a daily charge ranging from £2 to £10 depending on emissions levels, while zero-emission vehicles are allowed to enter the area free of charge.
The ZEZ is a step on from Clean Air and Ultra-Low Emission Zones that have been introduced in cities such as London, Birmingham and Bristol, which generally only restrict the most polluting diesel vehicles.
While the ZEZ is currently restricted to a small section of the city centre, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council are planning to expand it to cover the bulk of the city centre next year, subject to public consultation.
Councillor Tom Hayes, Oxford City Council’s cabinet member for green transport, called the launch of the ZEZ “a proud moment for our city.” He added: “We are taking concrete actions to improve air quality in the city and to make it cleaner and safer.
“Our vision is to create a zero-carbon transport network by 2040 and the ZEZ pilot is an important step towards achieving that vision.”
The ZEZ is one of a number of actions the two councils are taking to try and reduce transport carbon emissions in Oxfordshire. They recently unveiled a set of proposals, which will go out for public consultation, that include an expanding workplace parking levy (charging businesses for each parking space they have) and new traffic filters. They are also seeking funding to increase the number of electric buses used in the region.
Oxford city also has an e-scooter rental service trial scheme in operation, which is run by Voi.
The Oxford ZEZ features various discounts and exemptions for Blue Badge and Disabled tax vehicles, certain low-emission taxis and private hire vehicles, residents and businesses in the ZEZ, heath and care workers, community transport vehicles and students in financial hardship.
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