Air pollution is a growing problem throughout the UK, and multiple cities are introducing clean or low-emission zones to discourage motorists from driving polluting vehicles.
Oxford was the first UK city to introduce a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ), with a pilot scheme launched on 28th February 2022!
This new zone has had a significant impact on road users across Oxford. Luckily, Scrap Local has created this quick guide to fill you in on everything you need about Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone.
We’ll also show you how to scrap your high-emission vehicle in Oxford for the best prices!
Oxford’s zero emission zone currently runs from 7 am to 7 pm, every day of the week. Vehicles travelling through the Zero Emission Zone are monitored using ANPR cameras and may be charged a daily fee if they fail to meet the zone’s emission standards.
The ZEZ began in the city centre and is being delivered in phases, starting with a small number of streets.
Most petrol and diesel vehicles must pay a daily charge to drive through Oxford’s ZEZ. The amount depends on the vehicle’s emissions.
Charges currently range from £2 to £10 per day, but were originally expected to rise in 2025. As of the latest proposal, Oxfordshire County Council plans to maintain the current rates indefinitely.
For the most accurate and up-to-date charges, visit the Oxfordshire ZEZ Charges Page.
The first phase, known as the Pilot Scheme, started on the 28th February 2022.
During the first phase of Oxford’s zero emission zone, only a few central Oxford streets are included:
Oxfordshire County Council is reviewing plans for a wider expansion, expected to go to Cabinet for decision in 2026.
Information on Oxford’s zero emission zone is always subject to change. That’s why Scrap Local recommends that you use Oxfordshire City Council’s website for current details on where the zero-emission zone in Oxford will be.
If you don’t pay the daily charge in 6 days, then you’ll be issued a penalty charge notice and a fee of £120.
This amount will be reduced to £60 if the daily charge is paid within 14 days of the penalty charge notice being issued.
No vehicle will be banned from entering the zone, yet this scheme is designed to encourage more people to transition to cleaner vehicles and to stop using polluting cars and vans.
There are temporary exemptions and discounts available, but these are under review, and proposals have been made to extend or remove expiry dates.
Currently, there are 2 forms of exemptions. These are listed below.
For more information on the current discounts and exemptions from the zero-emission zone please see Oxfordshire City Council’s official website.
Most vehicles must pay a daily charge to drive through Oxford’s zero-emission zone. The amount motorists will have to pay will be determined by their vehicle’s emission standards.
The prices listed are subject to change and an ultra-low emission truck standard has yet to be set for HGVs travelling through the zero emission zone in Oxford.
Scrap Local advices that road users visit Oxfordshire City Council’s website for up-to-date information on the zero-emission zone charges in Oxford.
Here are the daily charges for different vehicles travelling through Oxford’s zero emission zone for both phases:
Grants and funding have been available to residents and businesses across the Oxford Low Emission Zone.
These are for:
Most grants were tied to early adoption and may now be closed, but support for vehicle upgrades continue through separate initiatives, including public transport investments.
The best method of applying for a discount is online, which you can do below.
You can also call 0345 310 1111 (option 3).
Want to avoid paying £10 or more to drive your car in Oxford’s zero emission zone?
The best thing you can do for Oxford’s air and your wallet is scraping your car with a trusted vehicle specialist.
Fortunately, Scrap Local can help you scrap your high-emission car in Oxford without any hassle and for the best price!
We won’t knock you down on price for minor damages to your scrap car, can remove your vehicle for free and help complete any paperwork for DVLA.
Better still, we work with reputable Authorised Treatment Facilities (ATFs) that ensure that scrap cars from Oxford are de-polluted and scrapped by strict environmental guidelines.
So what are you waiting for? If your old set of wheels isn’t worth the time or money to drive through Oxford’s zero emission zone, then submit an enquiry to scrap your car with Scrap Local!
We have hundreds of scrap car buyers waiting to buy your scrap car.
