Zero Emission Zone launched in Oxford

Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) is now operational in Oxford.

It is currently in a pilot-phase, operational 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.

All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily charge unless eligible for a discount or exemption. However, zero emission vehicles 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 (ANPR) cameras are being installed to enforce rules within the zone.

The ZEZ pilot is intended to give Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council to gain useful insights before introducing a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre next year, subject to further public consultation.

The Oxford ZEZ is aimed at reducing air pollution in the city and encouraging people to make positive changes in travel behaviour.

The ZEZ charges apply from 7am to 7pm, seven days a week, all year round. The daily charge covers the entire day, so a vehicle can enter and be used within the area on multiple occasions each day. Charges do not apply to vehicles that are parked within the zone and do not move.

Any four-wheeled diesel vehicle that meets Euro VI standards will have to pay a daily charge of £4 during the pilot, rising to £8 from August 2025. Diesel vehicles that are rated Euro V or below will pay £10 during the pilot and £20 from August 2025.

ZEZ charges can be paid up to six days in advance, on the day the vehicle is driven in the zone, and up to six days after the vehicle has been driven inside the zone.

• The facility to make ZEZ payments can be found here.