Oxford asks hauliers to help it ban petrol and diesel vehicles from city

Oxford City Council wants all freight deliveries made by zero emission vehicles by 2035 - and it wants hauliers to say how that could happen.

It wants to create the world’s first zero emission zone in three years’ time and gradually ban the types of vehicles allowed into the city centre.

The council has launched a consultation asking for views on its proposals, after nitrogen dioxide levels soared through legal limits.

Under the plans, light commercial vehicles would be prevented from entering the centre of Oxford from 2020, along with cars, buses and taxis – if they are not zero emission.

By 2035, all HGVs will not be allowed in unless they are run on fuels that create no pollution.

A city council spokesman said it wanted operators to respond to the consultation and say how they could envisage it working:

“We want everyone’s views," he said. "We want to make it work for everyone - hauliers and freight companies and let them explain the nuances of their movements in Oxford city centre.

“We are asking what is feasible and reasonable.”

Oxford City councillor John Tanner said: “All of us who drive or use petrol or diesel vehicles through Oxford are contributing to the city’s toxic air. Everyone needs to do their bit – from national government and local authorities, to businesses and residents – to end this public health emergency.”

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