Petrol and diesel cars banned from areas in London

Following a public consultation, two of London’s boroughs (Hackney and Islington) have introduced Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle (ULEV) Streets in the City Fringe which prohibit petrol and diesel cars from 7am to 10am and from 4pm to 7pm. The ban, which is enforced Monday to Friday, restricts users of these roads to walking, cycling and driving a low emissions vehicle (a vehicle which emits less than 75g/km of CO2). Anyone in breach of the rules will face a £130 fine.

In total, nine streets are affected (full list below) with the strict CO2 limit meaning only fully electric, hydrogen and the cleanest of hybrids will be able to enter the areas. Just like the congestion charge, cars will be monitored using automatic number plate recognition cameras.

• Best low emissions cars

Addressing the new City Fringe ULEV streets, Feryal Demirci, Hackney’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, transport and parks, 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.

“Our ultimate goal is to reclaim the streets from polluting motor vehicles – this groundbreaking scheme is the first step towards doing that.” The new ULEV zones mean that a more polluting car could pay £151.50 per day to drive in London thanks to a combination of the T-Charge, the Congestion Charge and City Fringe Ultra Low Emission Streets scheme.

Streets affected by the proposed scheme:

Zone 1:

• • Blackall Street
• • Cowper St
• • Paul St (north of junction with Leonard Street)
• • Ravey Street
• • Singer Street
• • Tabernacle St (north of junction with Leonard Street)
• • Willow Street

 Zone 2:

• • Charlotte Road
• • Rivington Street (from junction with Curtain Road to junction with Great Eastern Street)

Are diesel cars being punished too much? Let us know in the comments below...