The proposed December 2020 launch of Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) and so-called Red Zone has been postponed due to the ongoing coronavirus crisis.
In a joint statement, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council said that “amid the current situation with coronavirus with Government acknowledging an economic crisis… businesses should not be expected to devote time to the detailed logistical planning required for the Oxford ZEZ”.
As such, both councils confirmed that they “will be closing the current formal consultation on the Red Zone but responses submitted so far will be read and saved”.
The councils said they plan to resume the consultation in late 2020, with a view to implementing the scheme in the summer of 2021.
Councillor Yvonne Constance, cabinet member for environment, Oxfordshire County Council, said: “Oxfordshire County Council remains committed to improving transport for residents and visitors as well as taking measured climate action to address air pollution and congestion in Oxford.
“We take this commitment seriously as we are mindful that there is firm opinion in favour of change.
“The current public health situation however means that we must take precautionary steps to minimise the risks to the health of residents.
“Under the circumstances, this means we will resume consultation on the Zero Emission Zone once the conditions allow.”
In the joint statement, both councils also revealed that £150,000 in funding has been secured from Defra to purchase Automatic Number Plate Recognition technology to assist in the delivery of the Oxford ZEZ.
