OXFORD has the potential to be one of the most environmentally sustainable cities in the UK in future, a new report suggests.

According to findings by Irwin Mitchell and the Centre for Economic & Business Research, it comes second only to Cambridge in the country for the share of the population using zero emission transport.

The report estimates 16 per cent of locals use such transport, while Cambridge has 21.

Oxford is already planning a full Zero Emission Zone.

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Oxford was ranked far lower on a number of other measures, however.

However, out of all the 'English Powerhouse' cities in the report, Oxford is ranked 3rd for waste recycling.

Vicky Brackett, CEO of Irwin Mitchell’s Business Legal Services division, said: “Oxford performs well in some indicators of environmental sustainability but poorly in others.

"If it can continue to improve its share of low- and zero-emission transport, carbon emissions can decrease even further making it possible for Oxford to become one of the most sustainable cities in the UK.”