Oxford zero emissions zone raises almost £120,000 in fines

A pilot scheme to clear Oxford city centre of polluting vehicles has raised almost £120,000 in fines.

The Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) was launched in February, with drivers of non-zero emission vehicles using certain roads being given Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs).

Oxfordshire County Council initially issued warning notices to drivers but from 11 April handed out fines.

In total, it sent out 3,979 warnings and 7,545 PCNs.

The authority's income over the six months since the pilot's launch was £119,617, according to figures obtained by the BBC in a Freedom of Information request.

In a statement, Oxfordshire County Council said: "Revenue generated by the zero emission zone pilot is used to cover the cost of the scheme's initial set up and operation.

"Any net proceeds after covering these costs will be used to support local transport objectives such as supporting the transition of zero emission transport, improving walking and cycling facilities and incentivising public transport in Oxford.

"Our ultimate aim is zero income, as this will mean all vehicles entering the ZEZ pilot are zero emission."

The charges apply between 07:00 and 19:00 each day, covering Bonn Square, Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, part of Market Street, Ship Street, St Michael's Street, New Inn Hall Street, and Shoe Lane - all known as the "red zone".

A wider ZEZ covering the rest of the city centre will follow next year, subject to further public consultation.

Drivers of all petrol and diesel vehicles, including hybrids, are charged from £2 to £10 per day.

Automatic number plate recognition cameras are being used to enforce the new rules.

The city is the first in Britain to introduce a ZEZ, Oxfordshire County Council and Oxford City Council have said.

Follow BBC South on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Send your story ideas to [email protected].