Oxford zero emission zone explained
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.
History
In 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, 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. Subsequently, managed clean air zones have been introduced in several other cities, including Bath, Bristol[3] and Tyneside.[4] [5]
Implementation
A 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
Unlike 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,, 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]
External links
Notes and References
- News: 2017-03-10 . Oxford city centre zero emissions zone study launched . 2024-08-01 . BBC News . en-GB . 2024-08-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801222822/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-39230337 . live .
- Web site: Oxford city centre to become low emission zone on 1 January [2014]]. 31 December 2013. BBC News. 1 August 2024. 1 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240801231805/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-25557090. live.
- News: Bristol Clean Air Zone raises £26m in one year. BBC News . January 16, 2024.
- News: Newcastle's Clean Air Zone generates more than £500,000. BBC News. September 26, 2023. August 21, 2024. August 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240821151117/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tyne-66910697. live.
- Web site: Clean air zones: What is the money raised spent on?. June 16, 2024. BBC News. August 21, 2024. August 21, 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240821151119/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c1ej7knvd7vo. live.
- News: 2020-01-07 . Oxford city centre drivers face £10 charge next year . 2024-08-02 . BBC News . en-GB . 2024-08-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801231809/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-51013808 . live .
- Web site: Coronavirus: Oxford zero emissions zone postponed. BBC News. 25 March 2020. 1 August 2024. 1 August 2024. https://web.archive.org/web/20240801222824/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-52034420. live.
- Web site: 9 March 2021 . Oxford Zero Emission Zone: Final consultation completed - BBC News . BBC News . 1 August 2024 . 1 August 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801222822/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-56333716 . live .
- News: 2022-01-28 . Oxford's Zero Emission Zone pilot to begin in February . 2024-08-02 . BBC News . en-GB . 2024-08-01 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240801231807/https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-60168801 . live .
- Web site: 21 February 2024 . Oxford's zero emission zone faces hypocrisy claim . BBC News . 11 September 2024 . 11 September 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240911222813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-68349612 . live .
- News: Gardner . Tom . Oxfordshire County Council to decide on expansion of Zero Emission Zone . 18 September 2024 . Cherwell . 7 February 2024.
- Web site: Paying the ULEZ charge - Transport for London. tfl.gov.uk. 9 August 2023. 1 August 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230801063449/https://tfl.gov.uk/modes/driving/ultra-low-emission-zone/ulez-payments. live.
- Web site: Oxford's Zero Emission Zone – 20/03/2020 update . Oxford City Council . . 20 March 2020 . 18 June 2020 . 21 June 2020 . https://web.archive.org/web/20200621114658/https://www.oxford.gov.uk/info/20299/air_quality_projects/1305/oxford_zero_emission_zone_zez . dead .
- News: Oxford's zero emission zone faces hypocrisy claim . BBC News . 21 February 2024 . 11 September 2024 . 11 September 2024 . https://web.archive.org/web/20240911222813/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-oxfordshire-68349612 . live .
- Web site: Oxford Is Creating a World First Zero Emission Zone by 2035. ScienceAlert. 13 October 2017 .
- https://www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/residents/roads-and-transport/oxford-zero-emission-zone-zez/charges-oxfords-zez Charges for Oxford's zero emission zone (ZEZ)