Oxford councils look into introducing a Zero Emission Zone

Oxford council has launched a study to investigate the options for introducing a Zero Emission Zone in Oxford for 2020.

The £30,000 project has been commissioned by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council and will involve engaging with stakeholders such as bus and taxi companies to suggest a range of options on how the zone would be introduced.

They have appointed Ricardo Energy and Environment to carry out the study, which is expected to be completed later this spring.

At the moment, air pollution, monitored at 75 locations across Oxford, is still breaking targets set by the European Union in 32 per cent of the locations.

As set out in the 2015 Oxford Transport Strategy, the aim is to roll out the Zero Emission Zone in phases between 2020 and 2035.

A Zero Emission Zone would reduce emissions from transport by restricting access for polluting vehicles and encourage the uptake of zero emission vehicles.

Councillor John Tanner, Oxford City Council executive board member for A Clean and Green Oxford, said: “Air pollution has a significant impact on the health of residents and visitors to Oxford.