City of London to introduce Zero Emission Zone

The City of London will introduce a Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) ‘within the next Mayoral term’ to ensure 90% of vehicles entering the Square Mile are zero emission by 2030.

The measure forms part of the City Corporation’s draft transport strategy, which sets a target of reducing motor traffic by 25% by 2030, and by 50% by 2044 and has been published this morning, following a public consultation.

They say they zone will work through a combination of access restrictions and charging for non-zero emission capable vehicles.

They will also become the first area in the UK to enforce a 15mph speed limit for motorists, subject to government approval, which will come into force by the end of 2022

Officials believe the new speed limit will cut the number of vehicles on its streets which will improve local air quality whilst minimising the risk of injury for pedestrians.

The strategy also proposes a Zero Emission Zone to cover the whole of central London, following smaller and more local zero-emission zones covering the City Cluster and Barbican and Golden Lane.

Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, said: ‘The City of London is one of the most well-connected parts of the UK, with 15 Tube stations, seven Tube lines, eight mainline stations, multiple bus routes and a fast-evolving bicycle network.

‘We are working tirelessly to support the 513,000 workers that commute to the Square Mile every day, and to deliver the forward-thinking City that Londoners want to see.

‘These radical plans will ensure the continued success of not just the City, but wider London and the UK as a leading global business and cultural destination.’

In related news, the City installed its first rapid electric charging point for electric taxis earlier this month.

The Noble Street rapid electric charging point will be used by the new zero-emission capable (ZEC) taxis, and there are now 1,400 licensed ZEC taxis operating on capital’s roads since they were introduced in January 2018.

10 more rapid charge points will be installed by the end of the year at Baynard House car park at Queen Victoria Street, and are expected to be available to both ZEC taxis and small freight vehicles. The new rapid charge points, part-funded by TfL, can top up a car’s battery within 20-30 minutes.