The City of London’s Beech Street is set to become the UK’s first 24/7 zero-emission street from Spring 2020, pending final approval by Transport for London.
The plans have been backed by the City of London Corporation, the area’s municipal governing body, in a bid to improve air quality in the capital city’s Square Mile.
Upon launch, Beech Street, much of which runs under the Barbican Estate, will be restricted to zero-emission vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
Exceptions will be provided for emergency vehicles, access to the car parks off Beech Street and for refuse collection and deliveries.
Bus route 153, which is fully electric and runs down Beech Street, is unaffected by the changes.
The experimental traffic order will run for a maximum of 18 months, during which time the impact on air quality and traffic will be monitored.
The scheme aims to bring nitrogen dioxide levels within air quality guidelines set out by the European Union and World Health Organisation.
The City of London Corporation also hopes to improve air quality in the vicinity of the street, particularly around the entrances to Richard Cloudesley School and Prior Weston Primary School.
If deemed successful, the trial, which will also determine whether similar measures are suitable for other streets in the City of London, may be made permanent.
Streets and Walkways Sub (Planning and Transportation) Committee chairman, Oliver Sells QC, said: “This is a groundbreaking scheme that will bring substantial health benefits to those who live and work in the Barbican area, and will also help reduce noise pollution.
“The experimental scheme will be enforced using the latest in smart camera technology and I hope it will be the first of many other schemes like this.”
To improve awareness of the zero-emission restrictions on Beech Street, the City of London Corporation will provide street signage.
Furthermore, an information campaign will take place before the restrictions come in, including social media, leafleting and direct discussions with City firms.
To deliver these changes, vehicles will be rerouted via advance warnings and signage on the approach to the street. Vehicle restrictions will be enforced via ANPR cameras with a penalty charge notice issued to drivers who contravene the experimental traffic order.
The Beech Street scheme is the latest initiative in the the City of London Corporation’s air pollution reduction campaign. Its Planning and Transportation Committee has backed proposals to turn parts of the Square Mile into zero-emission zones by 2022 and reduce the speed limit to 15mph (24km/h) as part of its new Transport Strategy.
