A CONTROVERSIAL scheme which charges most motorists to drive through the city in attempts to reduce emissions has raised almost £120,000 in fines.

The Oxford Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) was launched in February as a pilot scheme, covering just a handful of city centre streets, with ‘polluting’ vehicles charged up to £10 a day to use those routes.

Oxfordshire County Council, which launched the pilot scheme, started with issuing warning notices to drivers but from April started handed out fines.

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In a Freedom of Information request obtained by the BBC, the authority has made £119,617 in the last six months. In total, it sent out 3,979 warnings and 7,545 PCNs.

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 ZEZ applies between 7am and 7pm daily on the following roads: Bonn Square, Queen Street, Cornmarket Street, part of Market Street, Ship Street, St Michael's Street, New Inn Hall Street, and Shoe Lane.

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The highways authority plans for a wider ZEZ next year following a public consultation.

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Read more from this author

This story was written by Gee Harland. She joined the team in 2022 as a senior multimedia reporter.

Gee covers Wallingford, Wantage and Didcot.

Get in touch with her by emailing: Gee.harland@newsquest.co.uk

Follow her on Twitter @Geeharland

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