Councils in East London are looking into implementing petrol and diesel car bans on major roads to help reduce pollution during peak times of the day.
Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets councils have started public consultations for potentially closing down nine roads that run through their jurisdictions that would help create safer and cleaner roads between 7am and 10am, and 4pm and 7pm during weekdays.
If implemented, this would mean that cyclists and pedestrians in the Shoreditch and Hoxton areas would be safer on the roads during rush hour periods, as the only people who own newer hybrid vehicles would be allowed to use the roads at those times.
Those not authorised to drive in those areas could be fined £130 if they do so.
In the first set of roads, Blackall Street, Cowper Street, Ravey Street, Singer Street and Willow Street will be closed completely for this scheme, while Paul Street and Tabernacle Street will be closed off north of Leonard Street.
Two further roads – Charlotte Road and Rivington Street between Curtain Road and Great Eastern Street – would also be included in plans.
Councillor Feryal Demirci, cabinet member for neighbourhoods, transport and parks, told the Daily Express: “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 proposing to ban 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.”