The proposed Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) will see non-compliant coaches subject to a £10 daily charge to enter.
If approved, the ZEZ is on track to be enacted this year under plans by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council. It will precede a much larger ZEZ in 2021/22.
Red then Green
Both local authorities (LAs) published their joint final draft ZEZ proposal last week. An initial Red Zone, to commence on 1 December, captures a small area, including Bonn Square, Cornmarket, New Inn Hall Street, Queen Street, Ship Street and St Michael’s Street.
Charges will be levied on non-compliant vehicles between 0700-1900hrs daily. Buses are not included as those serving Oxford are subject to an agreed transitionary period to zero emissions.
Of more importance to many coach operators will be plans to extend the Oxford Zero Emission Zone by adding a much larger Green Zone either next year or in 2022. That will grow the ZEZ to cover the remainder of Oxford city centre.
Both LAs have launched an informal consultation into the Red Zone. It includes proposed charging and enforcement arrangements and closes on 31 January. A formal consultation begins in March with a response due in the spring.
£120 non-payment
In the Red Zone, enforcement will be via camera. Payment will be required by midnight of the working day after entering.
Failure to pay will lead to a £120 penalty. Plans include a to be decided daily charge for the Green Zone, although it will be discounted for vehicles meeting Euro VI standards.
The proposals also call for the Red Zone daily charge for non-compliant vehicles to increase to £20 in 2024. The Red Zone and Green Zone are set to operate side by side after the latter is introduced.
Longer-term aspirations contained in a briefing document suggest a larger “ultra-low emission zone” for all vehicles in due course, and a citywide ZEZ by 2035.
