Oxford ZEZ pilot to launch in February 2022

Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot will launch in February 2022. 

The zone was originally supposed to be introduced last month, however, following various ‘technical issues,’ the council has now confirmed a new timeline.

They have said the new dates will avoid any disruption that might have been created by introducing the ZEZ pilot during the run-up to Christmas. 

The exact start date will be confirmed later this year followed by a review of the timeline for the wider ZEZ which will cover most of Oxford city centre. 

Under the scheme, all polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between the hours of 7 am – 7 pm, seven days a week. 

The daily charges will be:

• Zero-emission vehicles (0g/km CO2): £0
• Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO2): £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025.
• Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles: £4 per day from February 2022, rising to £8 per day from August 2025.
• Motorcycles and mopeds: £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
• Vehicles not meeting the above standards: £10 per day from February 2022, rising to £20 from August 2025.

A range of exemptions and discounts are available, including for businesses and residents in the zone, and some other vehicle users.

Businesses, residents, and visitors are encouraged to visit the Zero Emission Zone website to understand how the scheme will affect them and to find out more about the daily charges.

The registration process to apply for discounts will open at least six weeks before the start of the ZEZ pilot.

Cllr Tom Hayes, the cabinet member for green transport and zero-carbon Oxford, said: ‘If you’ve been to the shops recently and wondered why some shelves look bare, you’ll understand why we’re launching the Zero Emission Zone early next year.

‘With businesses being hit by shortages and COVID’s lingering effects, we want to give Oxford’s economy a helping hand to have the best Christmas possible. With our IT problems sorted, the Zero Emission Zone pilot can launch in February 2022 in a way that we can truly learn from. That way we can move to extend the ZEZ across the city centre so that we can improve the air and health of people.’

Photo by Ben Seymour