PLANS for a zero emissions zone in the city centre of Oxford are due to be scrutinised tonight, following questions about the scheme's launch last week.

A planned 'red zone' at the heart of the Oxford Zero Emissions Zone would see drivers having to pay £10 a day to enter the city centre's streets between from 7am to 7pm, or a £120 fine if they do not pay in time.

The changes are set to come into place in December 2020.

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The plans were criticised by road haulage representatives last week as it would hit delivery drivers working in Oxford.

Drivers in charge of electric cars or vehicles which emit less than 50 grams of carbon dioxide (CO2) per kilometre would be able to enter the zone for free.

Now, the proposed ZEZ is due for discussion by Oxford City Council's Scrutiny Committee at 6pm tonight.

A report to the scrutiny committee sets out all the accompanying schemes the council plans to help residents and businesses in Oxford adapt to the plans.

These schemes include introducing 'electric car clubs' where residents can rent cars for a short period of time, and funding from DEFRA to help businesses to stop using fossil fuel powered cars, and start using electric vehicles or other delivery methods.

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The report also says the council is working with local bus companies to make sure their vehicles meet newly introduced emission standards, and to encourage them to move to electric buses in the future.

Another scheme which is being touted as a way of helping drivers adapt to the ZEZ is new on-street electric car charging points, which are set to be installed following a trial scheme which began last year.

The committee will discuss the next steps for this scheme at the meeting.

The scrutiny committee will meet tonight at 6pm in St Aldate's Room, Oxford Town Hall.