Plans are in the pipeline to clamp down on polluting vehicles in Shoreditch and Hoxton to help clean up Hackney’s filthy air.
Hackney Council is consulting on an “ultra low emission streets” scheme that would reduce traffic in two separate zones enclosed by both Old Street and Great Eastern Street with Leonard Street and Curtain Road.
Vehicles not classed as “ultra-low emission” would not be allowed to enter eight streets during peak commuter periods of 7am to 10am, and 4pm to 7pm, Monday to Friday.
Ultra low emission vehicles (ULEVs) emit less than 75g/km C02, and include all electric and hydrogen vehicles and some of the “cleanest”, least polluting, hybrid vehicles.
Restrictions would be enforced using automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras, meaning anyone driving the “wrong” kind of vehicle during peak hours could face a fine of up to £130.
A spokesman for the council said: “An aspiration is to reclaim Hackney’s neighbourhoods from parked vehicles and motor traffic congestion and transform them into the most attractive and liveable neighbourhoods in London. This can only be achieved by reducing the dominance of the private vehicle.”
Residents and businesses in the zones would be exempt from the restrictions so long as they register.
Zone 1 includes Blackall Street, Cowper Street, Ravey Street, Singer Street, and Willow Street, as well as both Paul Street and Tabernacle Street north of the junction with Leonard Street.
Zone 2 includes Charlotte Road and Rivington Street from the junction with Curtain Road to the junction with Great Eastern Street.
The plans are part of a bigger vision for a “low emission neighbourhood” (LEN) in the area dubbed the City Fringe by planners. It’s a partnership with neighbouring Islington and Tower Hamlets councils, and funded by the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund.
Transport boss Cllr Feryal Demirci said: “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.”
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