The first Zero emissions zone (ZEZ) will be launched in the UK in February as local councils continue the Government’s push to ban petrol and diesel cars by 2030. It means anyone entering Oxford city centre that isn’t driving an electric vehicle will be charged for doing so.
The scheme will be launched in two stages from next month and begins with the unveiling of a ‘red zone’ in the city which will see drivers of petrol and diesel cars hit with a charge.
A wider ‘green zone’ will follow later in the year.
Based on the workings of London’s Ultra-low emissions zone (ULEZ) which allows cars that meet the standard for free, cars driving into Oxford will pay a discounted rate.
Only zero emission cars will be allowed to enter without charge, pushing locals toward buying electric.
Oxford’s ZLZ is an even stricter version of the unpopular Clean Air Zones (CAZ) being rolled out in cities across the UK.
The red zone will catch any drivers whose vehicles don’t meet the emission standards between the hours of 7am and 7pm, automatically sending them a £10 fine.
Only taxi drivers, buses and emergency service vehicles will be exempt.
