Move forms part of draft transport strategy, with ZEZ for central London also proposed
A Zero Emission Zone (ZEZ) will be introduced in the City of London ‘within the next Mayoral term’ to ensure 90% of vehicles entering the Square Mile are zero emission by 2030.
The measure forms part of the City Corporation’s draft transport strategy, which sets a target of reducing motor traffic by 25% by 2030, and by 50% by 2044, published on Friday (23 May) following a public consultation.
According to the strategy, the zone will work through a combination of access restrictions and charging for non-zero emission capable vehicles.
It will also become the first area in the UK to enforce a 15mph speed limit for motorists, subject to government approval, which will come into force by the end of 2022.
Officials believe the new speed limit will cut the number of vehicles on its streets, which will improve local air quality while minimising the risk of injury for pedestrians.
The strategy also proposes a ZEZ to cover the whole of central London, following smaller and more local ZEZs covering the City Cluster and Barbican and Golden Lane.
Alastair Moss, Chair of the Planning and Transportation Committee at the City of London Corporation, says: “We are working tirelessly to support the 513,000 workers that commute to the Square Mile every day, and to deliver the forward-thinking City that Londoners want to see.
“These radical plans will ensure the continued success of not just the City, but wider London and the UK as a leading global business and cultural destination.”
