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Charging zone for non-electric vehicles From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
The Oxford zero emission zone (ZEZ) is a low emission zone (LEZ) in England, covering nine streets in Oxford city centre. All non-electric vehicles (including hybrids) are subject to a fee.
![]() A zero emission zone shown on road signs (displays 'ZEZ') | |
Location | Oxford City Centre |
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Launched | 28 February 2022 |
Technology |
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Manager | Oxfordshire County Council |
Currency | Pound sterling |
Retailed |
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Website | Official website |
In 2017, a £30,000 joint study was launched by Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to determining 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]
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]
Unlike other low emission schemes in the UK which operate 24/7, the Oxford ZEZ is in operation from 07:00 to 19:00 (7am to 7pm) everyday 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 being charged more. However, as of 2024, these fees remain lower than London's £12.50 Ultra Low Emissions charge.[10]
The initial proposals could more accurately be described as a 'low emission zone' or 'ultra low emission zone' as any vehicle can enter on payment of a charge, but this will change in the future.[11]
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.[12] The fees are expected to double in August 2025.[13]
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