Proposed wider zero emission zone
Expanding the ZEZ to a wider area of Oxford’s city centre to improve air quality
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What is Oxford's ZEZ?
A small pilot ZEZ became operational on 28 February 2022 in Oxford city centre. It has allowed the county and city councils to test how the scheme works.
The pilot ZEZ is an area where zero emission vehicles (such as fully electric motorcycles, cars and vans) can be used without incurring a charge but where other motor vehicles may be charged.
All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge if they are driven in the zone between 7am and 7pm unless they have a 100 per cent discount or exemption.
We are now working on proposals for expanding the ZEZ to a wider area in Oxford city centre. The expansion of the ZEZ will be subject to further assessments, modelling, engagement and formal consultation.
Why we need a zero emission zone
Vehicle emissions are harmful to our health and contribute to climate change.
A zero-emission zone will:
- encourage people to switch to low and zero-emission vehicles
- make other positive changes to their travel behaviour
- help reduce tailpipe, brake and tyre emissions in the city
- help improve the health and wellbeing of our communities, particularly for children
- generate funding to support the transition to zero-emission vehicles and encourage non-car modes of travel.
This will improve the air quality in Oxford and reduce traffic while still maintaining access for those who need it.
How does it work?
Traffic signs identify the location of the zone. The scheme is enforced using automatic number plate recognition cameras.
Charges are payable by all vehicles unless they emit zero emissions or have a 100 per cent discount or exemption. Income from the scheme will be used to pay for its ongoing development and operation as well as to improve transport in the city, including schemes to support the transition to zero-emission transport.
Indicative timeline
- Winter/Spring 2024 – Pre-consultation engagement with stakeholders
- Autumn 2024 – Further assessments and modelling
- 2025 – Public consultation (timing to be confirmed)
- 2026 – Cabinet decision on whether to proceed with the wider ZEZ
Implementation if approved by cabinet – timing to be confirmed, depending on Network Rail’s completion of work on Oxford rail station and Botley Road reopening
Draft proposals for the wider ZEZ
Map
View a map showing the proposed area for the wider ZEZ (jpg format, 700KB).
Proposed daily charges for cars and motorbikes
All proposed charges are subject to further assessments, engagement and consultation.
| Motorbikes and mopeds | Car | |
|---|---|---|
| Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) (0g/km CO2) | £0 | £0 |
| Ultra low emission vehicle (ULEV) (<75g/km CO2) | £2 | £2 |
| Low emission vehicle (LEV) (Vehicles that meet the Euro 4/IV petrol or Euro 6/VI diesel standard) | £2 | £4 |
| All other vehicles | £2 | £10 |
| (Any vehicle not meeting any of the above standards) |
Proposed daily charges for commercial vehicles
| Van (up to 3.5 tonnes) | Minibus (up to 5 tonnes) Light truck (over 3.5 tonnes and up to 12 tonnes) | Bus/coach (over 5 tonnes) Heavy truck (over 12 tonnes) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Zero emission vehicle (ZEV) (0g/km CO2) | £0 | £0 | £0 |
| Hybrid (Any hybrid engine) | £2 | £3 | £5 |
| Low emission vehicle (LEV) (Vehicles that meet the Euro 4/IV petrol or Euro 6/VI diesel standard) | £4 | £5 | £10 |
| Other (Any vehicle not meeting any of the above standards) | £10 | £25 | £50 |
Proposed non-chargeable vehicles/users
The following vehicles and user groups are proposed to be exempt from daily charges in the wider ZEZ.
- Blue Badge holders
- People receiving mobility-related benefits
- Disabled tax class vehicles
- Professional health or care workers
- Registered local buses
- Oxford-licensed Hackney carriage vehicles (taxis) (non-Oxford Hackneys and private hire vehicles being considered)
- Euro VI buses, mini-buses or coaches used on qualifying home-to-school transport services
- Students in financial hardship moving in or out of the ZEZ
- Community transport vehicles
- Emergency service and qualifying health service vehicles
- Certain recovery vehicles
- Military vehicles
- Agricultural and similar vehicles (includes tractors, mowing machines, steam-powered vehicles, snow ploughs and gritters)
- Historic vehicles (including classic cars)
- Special vehicles (includes mobile cranes, pumping vehicles, digging machines, road rollers, and works trucks, e.g. forklift trucks)
- Hearses
Proposed chargeable but discounted vehicles
- ZEZ businesses’ vehicles - 90% discount (for up to 10 vehicles)
- ZEZ residents’ vehicles - 100% discount for first vehicle, 50% second vehicle