OXFORD is launching Britain's first ever Zero Emission Zone this month.

From February polluting cars could be fined for driving into the city centre.

Only electric cars which do not burn fossil fuels and create emissions will be able to enter the zone for free - here's everything you need to know.

When will it begin?

The ZEZ will launch on February 28.

What types of cars will be charged?

  • Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO2)
  • Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles
  • Motorcycles and mopeds
  • Vehicles not meeting the above standards

Where in the city will you be charged?

  • Cornmarket Street
  • Queen Street
  • Bonn Square
  • New Inn Hall Street
  • St Michael's Street
  • Ship Street

How much will different vehicles be charged?

  • Zero-emission vehicles (0g/km CO2): £0
  • Ultra-low emission vehicles (less than 75g/km CO2): £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
  • Clean Air Zone compliant or Low emission vehicles: £4 per day from February 2022, rising to £8 per day from August 2025
  • Motorcycles and mopeds: £2 per day from February 2022, rising to £4 per day from August 2025
  • Vehicles not meeting the above standards: £10 per day from February 2022, rising to £20 from August 2025

How will restrictions be legally implemented and enforced?

The ZEZ Pilot charging scheme will work in a similar way to the London congestion charge and ultra-low emission zone. 

Signs will be placed around the zone, notifying drivers of the ZEZ. 

Those driving or parking and using a non-compliant zero emission vehicles in the zone during the charging hours would need to pay the required charge before entering the zone or by midnight on the working day after entering the zone.

The zone would be enforced by enforcement cameras, using automatic number plate recognition technology.

Will emegency vehicles be banned from the zone?

No - emergency vehicles will have a permenant discount at 100 per cent.

What is a zero-emission vehicle?

A zero emission vehicle is defined as one which emits 0 g/km CO2. This is usually fully electric or hydrogen vehicles.

What is an ultra-low emission vehicle?

A Ultra Low Emission Vehicle (ULEZ) is defined as one which emits less than 75 g/km CO2.

What is a clean air zone compliant vehicle?

A Clean Air Zone vehicle (CAZ) is defined as Euro 4 petrol and Euro 6 diesel vehicles.

How do I find out what type of vehicle mine is?

The following online checkers give an indication of the emission standard/Euro status of your vehicle. 

You can see the CO2 emissions here.

You can check the Euro emission standards here.