Changes are being proposed to the Oxford Zero Emission (ZEZ) pilot due to the cost of living pressures. Oxfordshire County Council now wants to keep ZEV pilot charges at the same levels.

The ZEZ pilot was introduced in February 2022 on nine streets in Oxford city centre to tackle air pollution and meet legal targets.

Drivers of petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, have to pay a daily charge of up to £10 to enter the ZEZ, and these charges are due to double in August 2025.

However, Oxfordshire County Council now thinks that isn't "necessary or appropriate" and is proposing the ZEZ charges remain at the current levels of £2 for vehicles which emit less than 75g/km, £4 for Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel vehicles, and £10 for all other vehicles. Electric vehicles do not pay to enter the ZEZ.

This would continue "for as long as the pilot is in place", the council said.

Discounts for businesses in the ZEZ:

Businesses based in the ZEZ are entitled to a 90% discount when using an eligible vehicle in the zone. This, along with a 100% discount for Blue Badge holders and disabled tax class vehicles, is due to end in July 2025. A 90% discount for ZEZ residents’ vehicles is due to end in July 2030.

Oxfordshire County Council is now proposing to remove these end dates, with the discounts remaining indefinitely.

You can have your say on the changes by completing a survey on the council's website by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, 24 October 2023. A report from the public consultation will inform the council's decision about the changes.

The Oxford ZEV pilot is just one of a number of schemes that local councils have introduced to improve local air quality.

In August, the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) was expanded to cover all 32 London boroughs. 

Where else are Clear air zones:

Clean air zones (CAZs) are also in operation in: Bath; Birmingham; Portsmouth; Bradford; Bristol; Newcastle, Gateshead, North Tyneside, and Sheffield. In Scotland, Low Emission Zones (LEZs) apply in Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh and Glasgow.

At SOGO, we have a wide range of ultra-low emission and electric vehicles, available on flexible leases. We are committed to driving the green motoring transition, driving choice and leading the way towards 'electrification'. We want to help customers put realistic plans in place to run greener fleets, fully supporting carbon reduction goals on the road to net-zero.
 

Map for the Zero Emissions Zone Plan in Oxford View a map of the zero emission zone (ZEZ) | Oxfordshire County Council

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