Islington and Hackney council are fighting air pollution with the UK’s first ultra-low emission streets.
The two councils are running the project, which aims to start in July, to reduce levels of air and noise pollution, facilitate walking and cycling, and secure the area for pedestrians.
The project envisions restricted areas which will be divided into zone 1 including Blackall Street, Cowper St, Paul St, Ravey St, Singer St, Tabernacle St and Willow St, and zone 2 including Charlotte Road and Rivington St (see pic 1).
“They need to involve people in projects like these. I don’t have a car and I always try to cycle even at longer distances,” said Paul Ryan, a director for social care in London.
As part of the scheme, petrol, diesel (both responsible for 90% of air pollution) and hybrid vehicles will not be allowed to travel at peak times from 7-10 am and 4-7 pm Monday to Friday but hydrogen, electric and the cleanest vehicles will be permitted.
About 10,000 Londoners die each year from pollution: a tragic result collected at the beginning of 2018 about the situation in the capital that highlights some of the highest levels of dioxide pollution that break the legal limits.
Some of the most polluted areas of London are between Hackney and Islington. Low emission zones can lower the stats overnight, according to the department of air pollution at King’s College London.
“I live in Hackney and I do think that’s good for the environment but there are many low-income residents who will be not allowed to use the car and that’s a priority,” said Emily Moran, worship pastor at St. Magdalene’s church on Holloway Road.
As the project wants to increase the quality of life in the area, all vehicles that are already in the zones during the operational times will be able to exit the zones.
Since 2008, London LEZ – or the London Low Emission Zone – started a similar project but without any result over a three-year period. The reason was attributed to diesel vehicles that for the very first time will be completely banned from the new ultra-low emission project in Hackney, Islington and Tower Hamlets.
“Islington is the worst, traffic and pollution can only be detrimental, I hope this project will be realized,” Micha Joseline, who works in public relations and lives on Holloway Road.
The budget involved in the operation will be about £230,000.