Plans for Moor Lane ultra-low emission street outlined

Details of the first ‘low emission street’ in the City of London have been published today (1 November), as part of a pilot project delivered by the City of London Corporation.

Starting from April 2019, the 12-month pilot will close a south section of Moor Lane, close to Moorgate London Underground Station, to all vehicles which are not Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) compliant, in a bid to improve air quality in the immediate area.

A pilot Ultra Low Emission Vehicle-only street will be trialled on Moor Lane

The project is the second such scheme in the capital, with Hackney and Islington running the ‘City Fringe Ultra Low Emissions Streets’ in Shoreditch, which began in September (see airqualitynews.com story). ULEVs are classified as vehicles that emit less than 75g/km of CO2.

City of London has launched a consultation on its proposals today, which will determine the scope of the trial programme.

Two options for a ULEV pilot in the southern end of Moor Lane have been developed for consultation. Option 1 would introduce the measures 24 hrs a day and seven days a week. Option 2 would apply Monday to Friday from 7am-11pm.

Low emission vehicles including the new TX eCity electric-enabled cab which will be among those allowed to enter the zone

Proposals for further ‘Zero Emission Zones’ are under consideration as part of the City Corporation’s Transport Strategy, which is due to be finalised early next year (see airqualitynews.com story).

Jeremy Simons, Chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environment Committee, said: “This trial is an important step towards cleaner air. We are determined to see a major improvement in the City’s air quality.

“It will deliver the results we need when considering radical targeted action to drastically reduce air pollution on our streets.

“Nobody should have to breathe in dirty air, and we will continue to take bold and ambitious steps to ensure that the health of Londoners is protected.”

Low Emission Neighbourhood

The pilot is part of the City Corporation’s Low Emission Neighbourhood project, which is jointly funded by the London borough the Mayor of London.

For the first four weeks of the trial, those who drive through the ULEV-only zone with a non-compliant vehicle will be issued with a warning letter.

Plans for two Zero Emission Zones are being drawn up

Following this Penalty Charge Notices will come into full effect. Any funds generated through the scheme will be held in reserve and as required by legislation directed towards highway or road maintenance improvements.

Shirley Rodrigues, Deputy Mayor for the Environment and Energy said: “We are funding innovative projects like this because they are vital to encourage more Londoners to switch to ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles and help tackle the capital’s toxic air.

“‎Local projects such as Low Emission Neighbourhoods are a crucial addition to the Mayor’s London-wide plans to tackle pollution, these include introducing the Ultra Low Emission Zone and upgrading London’s buses into one of the greenest fleets in the world.”

Engagement

Speaking to airqualitynews.com, Ruth Calderwood the City Corporation’s air quality manager, said that engagement with businesses in the Square Mile has revealed that many are keen to see strong measures brought forward to address air pollution.

Consultation on the initial proposals is currently taking place

She said: “When we have conversations with city businesses and residents there is a consistent message that people want better air quality.”

She added that the City Corporation will be seeking to raise awareness of the measures, and the types of vehicles that will be compliant within the zone, ahead of the launch of the pilot scheme’s launch in April.

To improve awareness of the requirements the City Corporation will provide clear street signage one month before the trial begins, while an information campaign will take place including social media, leafleting and direct discussions with City firms.

Related Links
Consultation – Moor Lane Ultra Low Emission Street