HGVs could be banned from Oxford’s city centre during peak hours from next year, and also be subject to a congestion charge in the outer city by 2022.
Under the proposals, which follow a public consultation, plans to ban HGVs from entering an inner Red Zone have been fast forwarded from 2035 to 2020.
The proposals are part of Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Councils’ updated plans for a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) in the city centre.
In a briefing note the council said: “The new approach would, if agreed, cover more vehicle types, sooner and over a larger area than the original proposals to maximise the emissions benefits in the shortest possible time.”
Under the councils’ latest proposals, only zero emission vehicles will be allowed to park or load during peak hours in the inner Red Zone by 2020. Zero emission vehicles are defined as those which emit less than 75g of CO2/km from the tailpipe and are capable of at least 10 miles of zero emission driving.
The briefing note adds: “While there are currently no zero emission alternatives to diesel HGVs it is possible to move some deliveries on to smaller zero emission transport modes.
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Oxford already has a number of zero emission delivery companies already operating and it is anticipated this market will develop to accommodate deliveries within the zone.”
Oxford’s Red Zone includes New Inn Hall Street, St Michael’s Street, Ship Street, Queen Street, Cornmarket Street and Market Street
In addition the council is considering charging all bar zero emission vehicles to enter the outer city, dubbed the Green Zone, from 2022. The level of charges have yet to be set.
Oxford’s Green Zone is ringed by Oxford University cricket ground to the north, the Thames to the east, Speedwell Street to the south and Oxpen Road to the west.
Oxford City councillor Tom Hayes said: “From next year, under the proposals, only zero-emission vehicles will be able enter the city centre to park and load when our streets will be at their busiest.
“And we’re considering strengthening our original plans by banning heavy goods vehicles when footfall in the city centre will be highest because they contribute nearly a fifth of harmful emissions.”
Image: Shutterstock
