Britain’s first Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) pilot will take place in Oxford next February, it has been confirmed.
Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council have confirmed the new timeline for the scheme to avoid causing disruption to businesses during the run up to Christmas.
Under the pilot, the most polluting vehicles will be charged if driven in key city centre streets between 7am - 7pm.
The pilot will pave the for both councils to introduce a larger ZEZ covering most of Oxford city centre, subject to further public consultation.
Cllr Tom Hayes, cabinet member for green transport and zero carbon Oxford at Oxford City Council, said: 'If you’ve been to the shops recently and wondered why some shelves look bare, you’ll understand why we’re launching the Zero Emission Zone early next year. With businesses being hit by shortages and COVID’s lingering effects, we want to give Oxford’s economy a helping hand to have the best Christmas possible.
'With our IT problems sorted, the Zero Emission Zone pilot can launch in February 2022 in a way which we can truly learn from. That way we can move to extending the ZEZ across the city centre, so that we can improve the air and health of people.'
