Petrol and diesel drivers have been warned they could face new charges in a major city as part of new net zero plans, marking a fresh blow to thousands.
It comes after Oxfordshire County Council announced plans to extend the Zero Emission Zone across the city, with the motion being discussed next week. If agreed, it will come into effect in 2027.
The move comes as the council aims to boost air quality in the region, while pushing for car-free streets and other environmental measures.
The authority wants to expand the ZEZ as well as introduce a new Congestion Charge, which will be discussed on Tuesday, June 17.
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Oxford's Zero Emission Zone was launched in February 2022 PAIf approved by the council, it will trigger a public consultation to bring the expanded region into effect within the next few years.
According to the council, any planned expansion will have to wait for at least one year until all the new traffic filters have been introduced.
The ZEZ was first introduced in February 2022 and initially covered a small area in the city centre. It charges larger non-compliant vehicles £10 daily to enter the zone, with drivers who fail topay the charge facing a £60 fine.
Bryan Evans, senior transport planner at Oxfordshire County Council, told Fleet News: "The pilot for the ZEZ has shown positive signs, we’re seeing fewer vehicles overall and more zero-emission vans, particularly from operators like DPD and Royal Mail.
The council will discuss the plans to expand the ZEZ next week at the council meeting
PA"The broader goal is to improve air quality, but we're also achieving reductions in vehicle numbers and a better environment for pedestrians and cyclists."
The expansion of the ZEZ aligns with wider goals for the city to become the world's first carbon-free city. The ZEZ is currently limited to nine central streets.
The council has already made progress with improving air quality throughout the ZEZ, with data showing that air quality has improved by as much as 18 per cent year-on-year between September 2021 and September 2022. Key locations such as St Michael’s Street saw NO2 pollution reduce by eight per cent.
Evans noted that some areas across all nine areas of the ZEZ have not seen any improvement due to them being frequently used by buses.
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The city is planning on switching its entire bus fleet to zero emissions to help reduce pollution numbers.
Evans added: "Fleets can and should have their say now. We’ve had feedback already about making payment simpler, for example, offering fleet accounts or even an ‘autopay ’-style system like in London could be introduced in the future. Those are options we’re seriously exploring for the expansion.
"Most of the feedback we’ve had from fleet operators is around how to make payments more convenient. The direction of travel towards zero emissions is widely accepted."
The councillor addressed some criticism from drivers who accused the ZEZ scheme of trying to raise revenue for the council, rather than driving a change to improve air quality.
Oxford hopes to bring in its own Congestion Charges later this year
PAHe explained: "We wouldn’t bring in any revenue because everyone would be compliant". Our aim is clear - improved air quality. If operators switch to fully electric vehicles or other sustainable modes, they’ll avoid charges altogether."
On top of plans to expand the ZEZ, the council is also looking at bringing in a new Congestion Charge, which could launch in the Autumn.
Councillor Andrew Gant said: "We urgently need to see improvements to travel around the city; better bus services and less traffic overall, to help people get around.
"We must take action for our residents, businesses and visitors while Botley Road remains closed, and I look forward to discussing the options with cabinet colleagues."
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