Registrations are now open for eligible vehicle users to apply for a discount or exemption for Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot. Those qualifying for a discount or exemption must apply before entering the zone.
The ZEZ pilot will be launching on nine streets in Oxford city centre in February 2022. The aim of the pilot is to improve air quality in the city by restricting polluting vehicles from entering these streets between 7.00am and 7.00pm every day.
Some vehicles will be exempt from the daily charge, while others will be eligible for a discount. Zero emissions vehicles such as electric cars can be used in the zone free of charge. All petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, will incur a daily ZEZ charge of up to £10 unless they have a discount or exemption.
The charge will vary depending on the emission levels of the vehicle. Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) cameras will be used to enforce rules within the zone.
How do I apply for Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot discount or exemption?
You can apply for a Zero Emission Zone pilot discount or exemption by visiting the application page on the Oxfordshire County Council website. Select the discount you want to apply for from the list on the page and complete the online discount application form.
Who is eligible for a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot discount or exemption?
There is a range of exemptions and discounts available for businesses and residents in the zone, including:.
- residents’ vehicles
- hybrid non-Oxford Hackney carriage vehicles and all hybrid private hire vehicles
- business vehicles
- community transport vehicles
- disabled tax class vehicles
- blue badge holders’ vehicles
- health and care providers’ vehicles
When can I apply for a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot discount or exemption?
Businesses and residents in Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone pilot zone can apply at any time from Monday, 13 December and can continue to register once the scheme has opened in February 2022.
Vehicle emission levels can be checked online on the gov.uk website at Get vehicle information from DVLA or the HPI website at HPI Euro Emission Standards Checker.
When should I apply for a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot discount or exemption?
You must apply for a zero emission zone discount before travelling within the zero emission zone. Apply at least 10 working days before you intend to use your discount in the zone to ensure it can be processed before you need to use it.
What streets are in Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot scheme?
The Zero Emission Zone covers the following nine streets in Oxford city centre. The entire length of Bonn Square, Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, New Inn Hall Street, Shoe Lane, Ship Street, and St Michael’s Street, plus sections of New Road (between Bonn Square and its junction with Castle Street) and Market Street (from its junction with Cornmarket, extending east for 40 metres).
Comments
“Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone is launching in February 2022. Oxford is leading by example and taking proactive measures to make our city centre a cleaner, healthier and more attractive place to live, work, visit and shop.
“I would urge anyone who thinks they may be eligible for a discount or exemption to apply for it now to ensure it is in place before the ZEZ charges start in February.
“We have been working with residents and businesses within the pilot area to help them prepare for this change. In the coming year, we will engage more widely with residents and visitors on how best to expand the ZEZ across the city centre.”
—Councillor Duncan Enright, Cabinet Member for Travel and Development Strategy at Oxfordshire County Council
“The launch of the system to apply for discounts and exemptions is the next step in our journey to launching the Oxford Zero Emission Zone pilot. The Zero Emission Zone will help us to clean up our air and is key to reducing toxic air pollution in Oxford.
“As part of the pilot, we have introduced measures to support business and residents directly within the zone, as well as blue badge holders and other drivers to transition to electric. If you are eligible for a discount or exemption, then I encourage you to apply.”
—Councillor Tom Hayes, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Green Transport and Zero Carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council
