The planned pilot of Oxford’s Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) has been put back from this August after “unforeseen technical issues”.

The Zero Emission Zone pilot was approved in March 2021 and was due to go live in August 2021

The pilot was approved in March 2021, providing the first phase of the Zero Emission Zone ahead of the possible introduction of a larger scheme covering most of Oxford city centre in 2022.

The ZEZ is being introduced to tackle high levels of toxic nitrogen dioxide and the pilot will enable both Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council to understand how best to extend the scheme across the city centre to reduce the city’s air pollution levels and tackle the climate emergency.

The councils said delaying the scheme to an unspecified date later this year would allow it to be fully effective following the resolution of unforeseen technical issues in the supporting online systems.

This in turn would support local businesses and residents, ensuring a full launch without glitches.

As already agreed through engagement with businesses in the zone, the system to register for discounts and exemptions under the ZEZ pilot will open six weeks before the ZEZ pilot start date.

In addition, the councils are working with the Energy Saving Trust to deliver workshops to taxi and private hire drivers to support them in their transition to electric vehicles. Oxford City Council has also started installing new six rapid electric vehicle chargers across the city, supporting local residents too.

All other workstreams for the ZEZ pilot are on track and both councils will provide an update on the resolution of the online systems to allow for a launch this year.