Oxford learns hard truth about its poor air quality

25 October 2007

Oxford City Council is looking at introducing a low-emission zone, following the discovery that the city centre has failed to meet European air quality standards.

Initial findings of a feasibility study had ascertained that the city’s poor air quality was linked to vehicular traffic, not atmospheric conditions, the council’s head of environmental health, John Copley, said.

The council is collecting data and analysing potential options for a possible LEZ that may be implemented next year. There could be restrictions placed on the city centre and Green Road roundabout, which receives traffic from the nearby M40. The council was also considering a ‘bus gate on the High’, which would make the High Street off-limits to all vehicles except buses, taxis and service vehicles at certain times.

‘I’d be surprised if we are not heading for a low-emission zone. It could be like the London LEZ, but could have other bits to it too. Oxford is a city with old medieval cross roads, and it’s not so easy to banish the traffic to the ring road. We want a sustainable fix,’ said Copley.

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Oxford learns hard truth about its poor air quality

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