Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) frequently asked questions

Find out the latest news about the ZEZ here.

Why are you introducing a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in Oxford?

Air pollution contributes to cancer, asthma, stroke and heart disease, diabetes, obesity, and changes linked to dementia. Outdoor air pollution shortens up to 36,000 lives every year in the UK. In its Clean Air Strategy 2019, the UK government called air pollution a major public health risk in England which causes more harm than passive smoking. In January 2020, a study from Centre for Cities found that at least one in 17 deaths in Oxford is related to air pollution.

The legal limit for NO2 is 40 micrograms per cubic metre (µg/m3) of air and despite a 29 per cent reduction in NO2 levels across Oxford over the last 10 years, parts of the city centre in 2019 were still failing to meet this legal limit and health experts have warned that there is no safe level for NO2.

The majority of emissions and air pollution in Oxford city centre are generated by motorised traffic. Road transport accounts for 68% of NOx emissions and 16% of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in Oxford. Moving to emission free transport solutions, through the introduction of a zero emission zone, is therefore the most effective solution to our air pollution problems and will contribute to action on climate change.

Adoption of a “zero emission” standard creates certainty and ultimately delivers greater emissions reductions than adoption of less stretching “low emission” standards.

Oxford City Council has a legal duty to monitor the air quality within Oxford and a report is produced annually. See the latest Air Quality Annual Monitoring Report. The Air Quality Action Plan for Oxford sets a local target of “30 by 25” – i.e. 30 µg/m3 NO2 across Oxford by 2025, hence a stricter target than the nationally set legal target of 40 µg/m3

Why are you introducing a Zero Emission Zone Pilot?

We are introducing a smaller ZEZ as a pilot phase to allow it to be tested out and to provide learnings for a wider zone. The ZEZ Pilot would also lead to cleaner air, quieter streets and contribute to action on climate.

When will the Zero Emission Pilot start?

The ZEZ Pilot will start on 28 February 2022.

Why are you proposing a charging scheme?

Following extensive feedback from stakeholders and further technical work it was clear that our previously proposed scheme based on parking and loading restrictions was unlikely to lead to the changes in behaviour and air quality which we are seeking to achieve. Furthermore, a charging scheme provides greater flexibility and can be adapted to cater for the needs of residents and businesses in the area using discounts and exemptions, and may generate some income which can be used to help residents, businesses and others switch to zero emission vehicles.

Charging schemes are being introduced across the country including in Birmingham, and London already successfully operate charging schemes which have seen significant improvements in air pollution.

How have people been consulted?

In 2015, the County Council’s Local Transport Plan set an ambition to start a Zero Emission Zone in Oxford with the aim of reducing air pollution. Over the subsequent years, the proposals have been developed through extensive public and stakeholder consultation.

The final formal consultation on the ZEZ Pilot proposals took place between 20 November 2020 and 17 January 2021, after having been delayed from March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The proposals were based on discussions with businesses affected by the proposals, as well as feedback from the January 2020 ZEZ consultation, the experience of COVID-19 and the spring lockdown, and the feedback from the temporary bus gates survey in the summer.

Will the implementation of the ZEZ Pilot just spread air quality problems to the suburbs of Oxford?

It is expected that introducing even the a ZEZ Pilot will improve the quality of air within Oxford overall and beyond due to the restrictions on vehicles that can use the centre. Vehicles entering the city centre travel to other parts of the city and county, so the emissions benefits will extend beyond the zone.

What will the impact of the revised ZEZ Pilot be on private vehicles?

The Zero Emission Zone Pilot will see entry into the zone charged for from 7am-7pm, for any vehicle (including private cars) which are not 100% zero emission. Any Zero Emission Vehicles would be allowed free entry. There are discounts for residents living in the zone, blue badge holders and vehicles registered to business within the zone.

When will I need to replace my car?

The government is consulting on a plan to ban the sale of new petrol and diesel cars from 2035. In Oxford, private cars that are not zero emission are proposed to be charged for entry on all roads in the ZEZ Pilot area including Cornmarket Street, Queen Street, New Inn Hall Street, St Michael’s Street, Ship Street and Market Street from 7am to 7pm.

What happens to residents who live in the larger ZEZ zone and who don’t have a zero emission vehicle?

The next major stage of the ZEZ after the ZEZ Pilot would be the larger zone, covering most of Oxford city centre. This is subject to further public consultation.

It is currently proposed that the ZEZ Pilot and larger ZEZ will have the same requirements and discounts, with the amount of the daily charge depending on the emissions of the vehicle.

How will tradespeople/utilities be able to access my business/property for emergency repairs?

For the ZEZ Pilot, the restriction is part-time, so access by a non-zero emission vehicle would be possible outside the restricted times. We also expect the industry to adapt in a similar way to the courier sector which has introduced business models based around the bike and low/zero emission vehicles. If people do have to enter the zone with a non-compliant vehicle, they will be able to pay a daily charge for access.

Will disabled drivers of vehicles that do not comply with the ZEZ be exempt?

It is recognised that people with disabilities have a greater need than others to use their cars to access the city centre. Blue Badge holders (or international equivalents) and Disabled Tax Class vehicles will receive a 100% discount on entry into the zone until at least August 2025 – at which point a review will decide whether to extend the discount. The discounted period will allow time for drivers with disabilities to change their cars to compliant vehicles or make other travel arrangements to access the city centre.

Will the ZEZ cause alterations to bus routes / stops?

The ZEZ Pilot will not affect bus routes or bus stops, but instead we are working with bus companies to update their fleet.

How will I receive deliveries to my business located within the Zone?

Through the previous public consultation and engagement with impacted businesses we have gathered information about the challenges associated with deliveries within the zone. This is one reason why we are now introducing a part-time Zero Emission Zone from 7am to 7pm, and applying a charge for non-compliant vehicles rather than banning them completely. Lower charges for low emission vehicles will also now apply in the ZEZ Pilot which reduces the ZEZ requirements for businesses compared to the January 2020 proposals, in recognition of COVID-19 impacts on the city centre.

Deliveries in non-zero emission vehicles may be made free of charge outside of zone operating hours. If deliveries are made within these hours in a non-complaint vehicle a charge will be applied.

There are a number of zero emission delivery companies already operating in Oxford and it is anticipated this market will develop to accommodate deliveries within the zone.

There will be a 90% discount for businesses operating in the ZEZ Pilot for a maximum of 10 vehicles registered to the business until 2025

Will Emergency vehicles be banned from entering the zone if they are not zero emission?

A 100% permanent discount will apply to emergency vehicles but this will be reviewed at a later date. We will work with emergency services to reduce emissions from their fleets.

Will motorbikes and mopeds be charged entry to the zone?

Yes, motorbikes and mopeds will be charged entry to the zone if they do not meet our criteria for Zero Emission Vehicle.

How will the restrictions be legally implemented and enforced?

The ZEZ Pilot charging scheme will work in a similar way to the London congestion charge and ultra-low emission zone.

Signs will be installed around the perimeter of the zone and on the routes into the city to notify drivers of the ZEZ.

Drivers driving or parking and using a non-compliant zero emission vehicles in the zone during the charging hours would need to pay the required charge :

up to six days in advance
on the day the vehicle is driven in the zone
or in the following six days.

Registrations for discounts would need to be made and approved before entering the zone to ensure any required supporting documentation has been provided and approved.

Payments and registrations would be accepted by a variety of methods; we expect the majority will do this online.

The zone will be enforced by enforcement cameras, using automatic number plate recognition technology.

Taxi emission requirements are implemented through the city council’s taxi licensing powers and will be enforced by the city council. The bus emission requirements will be implemented through the application of a Traffic Regulation Condition (TRC) to bus operators’ operating licences and enforced by the Traffic Commissioner.

Will hybrid vehicles be allowed in the ZEZ?

Only vehicles emitting 0g/km CO2 would be allowed to enter the zone free of charge. The majority of hybrid vehicles do not meet this standard. Hybrid vehicles would still be able to enter the zone, but would have to pay a charge.

Why are you proposing to include HGVs in the early stages, where you excluded them in previous proposals?

HGVs contribute 15% of NOx emissions in the city centre while they only account for 5% of vehicle kilometres undertaken in the city centre. So while they only make up a small percentage of the traffic movements, their emissions are high.

While there are currently very limited zero emission alternatives to diesel HGVs it is possible to move some deliveries on to smaller zero emission transport modes. Oxford already has a number of zero emission delivery companies operating and it is anticipated this market will develop to accommodate deliveries within the zone. Where it is not possible to undertake the deliveries in any other vehicle other than by HGV, deliveries must take place outside the hours where restrictions will apply in the city centre to be undertaken for free, or alternatively a charge will apply.

We will review zero emission standard for large vans and lorries in light of Ultra Low Emission Truck (ULET) standard, when available.

What is a “zero emission vehicle” for the purposes of this scheme?

A zero emission vehicle is defined as one which emits 0 g/km CO2. This is usually fully electric or hydrogen vehicles.

What is a “Ultra Low Emission Vehicle” for the purpose of this scheme?

A Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEZ) is defined as one which emits less than 75 g/km CO2.

What is a “Clean Air Zone compliant vehicle” for the purpose of this scheme?

A Clean Air Zone vehicle (CAZ) is defined as Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel vehicles.

How do I find out what emission standard my vehicle is?

The following online checkers give an indication of the emission standard/Euro status of your vehicle. This is for guidance only.

Why does the larger ZEZ exclude some parts of the city centre?

The zone boundary needs to allow routes for non-compliant vehicles to turn safely and without blocking the road, which is why some streets are not included.

Why are you not requiring buses to be zero emission sooner?

Euro 6 buses have been found to reduce NO2 by 99.5%, which is why we have seen a significant improvement in air quality in recent years. The city already has its first 100% electric double decker buses operating in the city. However moving the full bus fleet to zero emission operation requires significant infrastructure and vehicle investment, and the technology for intensive bus operation across a range of urban and inter-urban route lengths is not currently proven or affordable, so we are planning to implement a zero emission fleet in partnership with bus operators by 2035 at the latest, with an ambition to work together to achieve this by 2030 if possible.

I have heard that electric cars till contribute to pollution, so how will that help reduce air pollution?

An overview of the environmental benefits of zero emission vehicles has been provided on the Go Ultra Low website.

Will classic cars be restricted from entering Oxford under the proposals?

In line with London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone, we are currently proposing a 100% discount for vehicles with historic tax classes (i.e. historic vehicles which qualify for vehicle tax exemption). Non-exempt vehicles will be allowed entry through payment of the charge if they are not zero emission.

What will happen with the income raised by the ZEZ charging scheme and what will it be spent on?

How much income the ZEZ Pilot will raise will not be known until it has been in operation for some months. Income raised by the scheme may be used to cover the costs of implementing and running it. Any funds left over once these costs have been covered must be spent on schemes or initiatives which directly or indirectly facilitate the achievement of local transport policies. This is a requirement of the legislation that allows the scheme to be introduced.

The city and county councils intend to use ZEZ income to pay for schemes to help residents and businesses in the ZEZ make the transition to zero emission vehicles, and on other schemes that promote zero and low emission transport in the city. The councils will work with residents and businesses to develop and implement supporting schemes.

Will vehicles entering the ZEZ Pilot zone during the student move-in/out weekends be charged?

We recognise that we may need to give short-term discounts or exemptions for non zero emission vehicles to help deal with special access requirements such as this. These would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as and when they arise.

Depending on the level of income raised by the ZEZ supporting measures could include innovative ways of managing moving in and out days for students.

Will you be increasing the number of bike racks in the ZEZ Pilot area, to allow for more sustainable travel options?

The councils are continuing to provide additional cycle racks in and close to the ZEZ Pilot area. Any income raised by the scheme after operating costs are paid for could be used for more cycle racks.

Will this push more traffic to outside of the zone, and the ring road?

The ZEZ Pilot area does not include any through traffic routes; nearly all the traffic in the zone has a destination in the area, and traffic volumes are relatively low. We do not therefore expect any significant displaced traffic.

Will vehicles involved in scheduled maintenance work during the day such as road works, construction, and utility works be charged?

We recognise that short-term discounts or exemptions may be needed to deal with special access requirements such as this. These would be dealt with on a case-by-case basis as and when they arise.