There are urgent calls for more data to be collected about the pollution levels within the planned Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) before the scheme is expanded in Oxford.

The Oxford Independent Alliance Group proposed that Oxford City Council should publish an analysis of air pollution in the area where the ZEZ would go, so that the council can make an informed decision on whether to expand it.

The city council publish an Air Quality Annual Status Report (AQASR) every year, which details the levels of pollution in different parts of Oxford.

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The analysis of the proposed expanded ZEZ would supplement the previous report from 2023.

If passed, the motion also asks for future AQASRs to include an in-depth analysis of pollution levels in the proposed expanded ZEZ.

The proposal is set for debate at the full Oxford City Council meeting next Monday, November 25.

The motion was put forward by Independent Oxford Alliance councillor David Henwood and seconded by fellow party councillor Ian Yeatman.

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Mr Henwood said that while the city had benefited from greener transport policies, and already had lower pollution levels compared to other cities, expanding the ZEZ might not necessarily be the best thing.

He said: “We have noticed that Oxford has become much cleaner, and a high percentage of that is due to the introduction of electric buses.

“But whether we need to expand [the ZEZ] is a different question.

“There will be a cost to it. I think it will put businesses under pressure, and we have to bear in mind what’s best for the economy.

“What we do not want to see is an arbitrary expansion of the Zero Emission Zone.

“I think it must be based on the data and not a fluffy dream that has no bearing on reality.”

He added that it could be better to look into saving energy from heating council buildings.

(Image: Ed Nix) The motion also asks for the cabinet not to make any decisions about revenue and cost sharing arrangements with the county council beyond the pilot scheme until the initial ZEZ pollution analysis has been completed.

The ZEZ pilot scheme was introduced by Oxfordshire County Council in February 2022 with the aim of cutting carbon emissions and improving air quality by encouraging people to switch to low and zero emission forms of travel.

The current ZEZ covers several roads in the city centre, while the expanded scheme will cover most of the city centre.

Oxfordshire County Council committed to spending £5.2 million on the ZEZ in its last Budget in February 2024.

A public consultation will take place next year, but the county council’s cabinet will not decide whether to expand to scheme until 2026.

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About the author  

Esme is a Local Democracy Reporter covering politics, planning and council meetings across the county. 

She joined the Oxford Mail in October 2024 after completing a Master's in Journalism at the University of Sheffield.

Esme achieved a BA in History at Cambridge University before going down the journalism path.

She can be found on X by searching @esme_kenney.