Motorists could be fined twice in Oxford for driving through roads within the Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) that have traffic filters, should the proposals come into place.

Oxfordshire County Council confirmed to the Oxford Mail that drivers who break the rules of both the ZEZ and traffic filters trial on the same day would receive separate fines.

The roads covered by the current ZEZ and planned traffic filters are different, but if the planned ZEZ expansion goes ahead at the same time as the traffic filter trial, some roads in the city centre could be covered by both charges.

Those who drive petrol, diesel or hybrid vehicles within a ZEZ between 7am and 7pm will receive a daily charge between £2 and £10, unless they have a 100 per cent discount or exemption.

If they do not pay this charge, they could be fined.

During the traffic filter trial, which is on hold due to delays in reopening Botley Road, car drivers who pass through a traffic filter without a permit during the hours of operation would be fined, but other types of vehicles would be automatically exempt.

Although receiving multiple charges for violating different traffic measures is standard in other cities, it would be the first time it could happen in Oxford.

READ MORE: Oxford ZEZ expansion needs more data, councillors say

Councillor David Henwood, leader of the Independent Oxford Alliance, said he was “disgusted” by the possibility of multiple charges.

(Image: Ed Nix) He said: “The county council want to squeeze as much money out of the public as possible to fund their pet projects across the county.

“It’s one thing to have a cleaner Oxford, and another to penalise the public twice through no fault of their own.

 “We need to treat the public with respect and dignity. It does not take into consideration people’s personal circumstances.

“The county council has declared war on the public.”

“We need to work with them, not against them.”

Green Councillor Emily Kerr said: “This is fairly theoretical at this stage, but clearly drivers that commit multiple offences would expect to receive a fine for both of them.

“I do not see why this would be any different, but the plans have not been confirmed yet.”

(Image: Oxford City Council.) The traffic filters would be placed on six roads in the city centre, including St Cross Road, Thames Street and Hythe Bridge Street, as well as St Clement’s Street, Marston Ferry Road and Hollow Way.

The ZEZ covers a number of streets or sections of streets in the city centre, including Queen Street, New Road, Bonn Square, Cornmarket Street, New Inn Hall Street, Shoe Lane, Market Street, Ship Street and St Michael’s Street.

The decision over whether the ZEZ could expand to cover most of the city centre will be made in 2026.