ROME – The City Council of Oxford, Great Britain, has launched the UK’s first “Zero Emission Zone” (Zez). In the area of the city identified by the council, drivers of all petrol and diesel vehicles, as well as hybrid cars will be taxed. Only 100 percent green models will be exempt. The pilot program aims to combat pollution in the city. The move is similar to London’s Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) and Birmingham’s Clean Air Zone (Caz), with the exception that hybrid vehicles will not be allowed into Oxford’s new Zero Emission Zone.
Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council aim to gain useful information with this project, possibly introducing a larger Zez covering most of central Oxford next year (2023), subject to further public consultation. Combustion engines will be taxed from 7am to 7pm, all year round. This means that drivers of all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will have to pay a daily rate.
Exemptions and discounts will be possible for businesses and residents of the area. Rates range from 2 to 10 pounds per day depending on vehicle emission levels and automatic license plate recognition cameras (ANPR) have been installed to enforce the new legislation. Only zero-emission vehicles will be able to enter the Zez for free. So far, the pattern only covers a small central area. If the pilot is successful, it will be extended to cover the entire city center on a permanent basis starting in 2023. In this case, the rates are expected to double in 2025.