Polluting vehicles to be outlawed on nine Shoreditch streets

Clean air: a section of Rivington Street is covered by the ban. Photograph: Hackney Council

Petrol and diesel cars are to be barred in parts of Hackney from July when the Town Hall unveils the UK’s first ever ultra low emission streets.

Only electric vehicles, the newest hybrids, bicycles and pedestrians will be able to use nine roads in Shoreditch during rush hours on weekday mornings and evenings.

Residents and businesses on the affected streets will still be able to use their cars.

The scheme, which is the result of a partnership between Hackney and Islington councils, was supported by 70 per cent of people living within 10 kilometres of the area when it was proposed.

Fifty-six per cent of respondents to a recent consultation also backed the plan, which the Town Hall says will reduce people’s exposure to dangerous fumes and make the streets safer for those journeying to school or work.

Cabinet member for transport Cllr Feryal Demirci. Photograph: Hackney Council

Hackney Council’s transport chief 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.”

She added: “Our ultimate goal is to reclaim the streets from polluting motor vehicles – this ground-breaking scheme is the first step towards doing that.”

The affected streets in Hackney are Rivington Street (between Great Eastern Street and Curtain Road), Charlotte Road, Blackall Street, Willow Street and Paul Street (north of Leonard Street).

Islington’s Cowper Street, Singer Street (west side) and Tabernacle Street (between Leonard Street and Cowper Street) are also covered.

Petrol, diesel and older hybrid vehicles will not be allowed to use these roads from 7am-10am and 4pm-7pm on weekdays.

The scheme is part-funded by the Office For Low Emission Vehicles and forms part of the Mayor of London Sadiq Khan’s drive for better air quality.

Hackney Council recently announced it has won funding to create a low emission neighbourhood around Homerton Hospital.