Oxford ZEZ Goes Live
The UK’s first Zero Emissions Zone (ZEZ) goes live in Oxford from today.
Oxford’s new (ZEZ) kicked into action today with charges for all non-compliant vehicles facing a charge to enter the city. The city-wide zone will see drivers of all internal combustion engine (ICE) vehicles and hybrids charged to enter the zone.
Comment
Cllr Duncan Enright said:
“We are taking concrete actions to improve air quality in the city and to make it cleaner and safer. We hope that residents, businesses, and visitors will join us in our journey towards a carbon-neutral future.”
This all comes as part of Oxford Councils’ plans to create a zero-carbon transport network by 2040. This is in line with the Government’s goal of reaching a zero-carbon Britain by 2050.
Drivers can expect to face a charge of between £2 and £10 depending on the amount of emissions their vehicle produces. Those wishing to travel within the ZEZ can pay on the day or within six days on either side of the date of travel.
This gives drivers just under 2 weeks to pay for their entry into the zone. The zone will apply from 7 am to 7 pm, 7 days a week throughout the whole year.
Drivers can make all payments via the council’s website from today (28th Feb).
Automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras installed throughout the ZEZ will enforce the charges and issue fines to those who do not comply.
There are some exceptions to the ZEZ charging scheme. Zero-emission vehicles such as electric vehicles (EVs) can enter the pilot area without facing a charge.
The pilot area includes a small section of streets across the city centre. Certain operators may also be eligible for discounts our exceptions at the council’s discretion.
Vehicles parked within the zone but do not move will also be exempt from paying the fee.
Comment
Cllr Tom Hayes commented:
“The city council has helped to establish a data-led, science-based target of creating a net-zero city by 2040. 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.”
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Oxford ZEZ Goes Live
