Which streets are in the Oxford ZEZ?
The pilot zone, live since February 2022, covers:
- Cornmarket Street
- Queen Street
- Bonn Square, and New Road between Bonn Square and Castle Street
- New Inn Hall Street
- St Michael’s Street
- Ship Street
- Shoe Lane
- Market Street (the first 40 metres east of Cornmarket)
A much larger city-centre zone has been proposed but isn’t approved and has no start date. We’ll update this page if that changes.
How much is the Oxford ZEZ charge?
| Vehicle | Daily charge |
|---|---|
| Zero emission (electric) | £0 |
| Ultra low emission (under 75g/km CO2), or any motorbike or moped that isn’t zero emission | £2 |
| Four or more wheels, meeting Euro 4 (petrol) or Euro 6 (diesel) | £4 |
| All other vehicles | £10 |
One payment covers the whole day, however many times you drive in. Vehicles parked in the zone that don’t move aren’t charged. Blue Badge holders, and residents and businesses inside the zone, can apply for discounts. Some vehicles are exempt, including Hackney carriages licensed by Oxford City Council, registered local buses, emergency service, military and historic vehicles, and hearses (discounts and exemptions).
How do I pay the Oxford ZEZ charge?
Pay on Oxfordshire County Council’s Check your vehicle and pay page — up to 6 days before, on the day, or within the 6 days after you drove in.
The zone is enforced by cameras, so the first you hear of a missed payment is the penalty charge notice, and the council warns it won’t send a reminder to pay that either.
Is the ZEZ the same as Oxford’s traffic filters?
No. The traffic filters are six points elsewhere in Oxford that cars can’t drive through at set times without a permit, and you can’t pay to pass them. They replaced Oxford’s temporary congestion charge, which ended on 27 September 2026. The Zero Emission Zone is a separate scheme and still charges.
What if I forget to pay?
The penalty is £60, reduced to £30 if paid within 14 days. If it’s not paid or challenged within 28 days it rises to £90. See forgot to pay the Oxford ZEZ? for paying late and challenging a PCN.
Want a reminder next time? EveryDrive alerts you when you enter the Oxford Zero Emission Zone and reminds you before the deadline. Join the free beta →
