The City of London Corporation has announced plans for a pilot scheme limiting access to the south section of Moor Lane, near Moorgate, to ultra-low emission vehicles.

The trial, which is out for public consultation today (November 1), will create the City of London’s first low emission street.

It is part of the City Corporation’s Low Emission Neighbourhood project, which it jointly funds with the Mayor of London. 

The pilot will close the road to all vehicles which are not Ultra-Low Emission Vehicle (ULEV) compliant. Access for drivers of non-compliant ULEV vehicles to the rest of Moor Lane will still be available from the north side.

Following the consultation, the City Corporation aims to deliver the trial by April 2019.

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

“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,” said Jeremy Simons, chairman of the City of London Corporation’s Environment Committee.

The City Corporation is encouraging the uptake of fully electric and compliant hybrid vehicles to improve air quality in the Square Mile. It will use the pilot to consider whether similar measures are suitable for other streets in the City of London.

To improve awareness the City Corporation will provide clear street signage which will be in place one month before the trial begins. An information campaign will take place including social media, leafleting and direct discussions with City firms.

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. 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.

The Moor Lane ULEV street proposal is just one part of the City Corporation’s fightback against air pollution. 

The City Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee has backed proposals to turn parts of the Square Mile into zero-emissions zones by 2022 and cut the speed limit to 15mph as part of its new Transport Strategy. 

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