UK city centre set to become Low Emission Zone

Civic leaders in the English city of Oxford are planning to apply for a traffic regulation standard that will enable it to enforce a Low Emission Zone within the city centre.

It will mean buses and coaches must comply with Euro V standards for nitrogen oxide emissions before 1 January, 2014, although Euro IV vehicles will be permitted to operate until 31 December, 2015.

Although a few low-frequency routes will be exempt, most bus and coach operators will have to replace vehicles or equip them with exhaust treatment.