Oxford Zero Emission Zone launches 28.02.22 – firms face charges to enter

Operators of non-zero-emission vehicles will have to pay to use some key city centre streets in Oxford from Monday 28 February.

The zero emission zone comes into force in Oxford on Monday 28 February.

All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge in a number of city centre streets unless eligible for a discount or exemption. Zero emission vehicles, such as electric cars, can enter the pilot area free of charge.

The charge will vary from £2 to £10 per day depending on the emission levels of the vehicle. Automatic Number Plate Recognition cameras are being installed to enforce rules within the zone. Officials have launched the scheme as a pilot ahead of an expected expansion in the future.

Designated streets

The pilot will launch in a small number of streets in the city centre including: New Road, between Bonn Square and its junction with Castle Street; Bonn Square; Queen Street; Cornmarket Street; New Inn Hall Street; Shoe Lane; Market Street, from Cornmarket junction east for 40 metres; Ship Street; and St Michael’s Street.

The move will affect anyone driving in the specified area between 7am and 7pm, seven days a week.

Click here for a map showing the pilot and wider second phase zones.

RHA view

We want clean air and to support the overall aim to achieve Net Zero. But we’re concerned about how decision makers plan to get us there.

The Oxford ZEZ has been launched with little regard for how commercial operators can realistically comply. Commercial zero-emission vehicles are still expensive and difficult to come by; an RHA member will still have to pay the charges despite investing in compliant vehicles ahead of the pilot as supply chain problems have delayed delivery.

Chris Ashley, RHA Policy Lead for Environment and Vehicles, said: “Small businesses risk being shut out of Oxford as electric vehicles are out of reach for many in our sector.

“We urge officials in Oxford and elsewhere to bring these realities into the forefront of their thinking when they’re planning net-zero measures.”

“We want to work with the local authority and government on finding pragmatic environmental solutions that support businesses and jobs through complex changes,” he added.

“We look forward to helping shape Oxfordshire County Council’s upcoming freight strategy work to take account of these issues.”

More information

RHA view on Net Zero

RHA vision for decarbonising commercial vehicles