UK’s first ultra-low emission streets come to the City Fringe
Hackney and Islington councils are leading the charge against air pollution with the UK’s first scheme banning all but the cleanest vehicles from two zones in Shoreditch and Bunhill.
Petrol, diesel and older hybrid vehicles will not be allowed to enter nine streets during the peak commuter periods of 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm Monday to Friday. Ultra-low emission vehicles like electric cars, e-bikes, the newest hybrids and hydrogen vehicles, as well as pedestrians and cyclists, will be allowed.
The scheme was supported by 70% of people living within 10km of the area when it was proposed, and 56% of all respondents to the recent consultation were in favour. The changes will come into effect in July 2018.
The streets around Shoreditch suffer from some of the worst air quality in London – ultra-low emission streets will have reduced levels of air and noise pollution, make it easier and safer to walk and cycle and improve the character of the area for all residents and businesses.
To start with we’re banning petrol and diesel vehicles in the morning and evening rush hours to reduce people’s exposure to dangerous fumes and make the streets safer when people are walking and cycling to and from work and school. Our ultimate goal is to reclaim the streets from polluting motor vehicles – this ground-breaking scheme is the first step towards doing that.
Air pollution is a huge issue for Islington residents living, working and learning in the City Fringe, and we are proud to be leading from the front with Hackney in this pioneering scheme – the first of its kind in the UK.
This is big news for students and staff at Central Foundation Boys School – the most polluted state secondary in London – and the positive public feedback shows we are right to keep pushing for new ways to improve air quality and prevent polluting vehicles from damaging people’s health. I look forward to the results.
Residents and businesses on the streets affected will still be able to use their cars.
The scheme is part-funded through the Office For Low Emission Vehicles’ ‘Neighbourhoods of the Future’ and forms part of the Mayor of London-funded Low Emission Neighbourhood.