Petrol and diesel cars could be banned in Oxford city centre from 2020 under what’s believed to be the world’s first Zero Emission Zone.

The Zero Emission Zone would go live from 2020.

The proposal by Oxford City Council and Oxfordshire County Council would see the ban introduced in phases, with plans to exclude all vehicles, including HGVs, that are not zero emission by 2035 – cutting the nitrogen dioxide level in the city’s most polluted street, George Street, by 74% to fall under legal limits.

The plans – which open for consultation next Monday 16 October – would apply from 2020 for all non-electric taxis, cars, light commercial vehicles and buses in specific part of the city centre, which would expand to wider areas by 2025 and 2030 and also include HGVs from 2035.

Councillor John Tanner of Oxford city council said: “Toxic and illegal air pollution in the city centre is damaging the health of Oxford’s residents. A step change is urgently needed; the zero emissions zone is that step change.

“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.”

In recent years Oxford has implemented 100 EV charging stations, aided by an £800,000 grant from the OLEV Go Ultra Low Cities funding pot, and launch an electric car club.For more of the latest industry news, click here.