Petrol and diesel cars set to be banned in parts of east London with £130 fines for motorists who flout rules

Petrol and diesel cars are set to be banned in parts of east London under plans that could see motorists fined more than £100 for flouting the rules.

Hackney and Islington councils are consulting on a scheme to ban petrol, diesel and older hybrid vehicles from entering nine streets in Hoxton and Shoreditch.

It would be in place during peak commuter periods of 7am to 10am and 4pm and 7pm and motorists flouting the rules could face a fine of up to £130.

Pedestrians and cyclists would have access to the zones, in addition to ultra-low emission vehicles including electric cars, e-bikes, the newest hybrids and hydrogen vehicles.

The scheme could come into effect by March, Hackney Council said.

Dubbed “ultra-low emission streets”, it is hoped the plans will bring reduced levels of air and noise pollution and improved surroundings for local residents and businesses.

The time-restricted pedestrian and cycle zones will be in place from 7am to10am and 4pm to 7pm on weekdays.

Proposed streets include Cowper Street, Singer Street, Tabernacle Street, Paul Street, Willow Street and Blackall Street in Zone 1.

And Charlotte Street and Rivington Street in Zone 2.

Councillor Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council’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.”

Friends of the Earth clean air campaigner Jenny Bates welcomed the scheme as a “positive first step towards re-imagining the area so that it becomes less polluted and a more attractive place for people to spend time”.

But she called for more action on improving air quality across the capital.

She said: “Urgent government action is needed to improve the quality of air across the whole of London.

“While an Ultra-Low Emissions Zone has been proposed; this must cover the whole of the city rather than just inner London, so that all Londoners can benefit from cleaner air. It must also come into effect far sooner than currently planned”

Shirley Rodrigues, deputy mayor for environment and energy, said: “Improving London’s filthy air is one of the Mayor’s top priorities and Sadiq is supporting Hackney, Tower Hamlets and Islington to deliver this exciting scheme through his £11 million ‘Low Emission Neighbourhoods’ initiative.

“This aims to tackle air pollution at the most local of levels and trial innovative new approaches to encourage walking, cycling and the use of public transport as well as incentivise cleaner vehicles.

“The Mayor is doing everything in his power to tackle London’s harmful air quality, including cleaning up the most polluted bus routes and introducing the T-Charge for the oldest polluting vehicles.”