Petrol and diesel cars may be banned from east London

Petrol and diesel-powered cars are set to be banned from parts of east London under new plans that could see drivers fined up to £130 for flouting the rules.

The City Fringe Ultra Low Emission Streets scheme, drawn up by Hackney and Islington councils, would “prohibit all cars that emit over 75g/km of CO2 from a collection of nine streets” during the morning and evening rush hours, Auto Express reports. If approved, the ban could come into effect as early as March.

The nine streets are “split over two zones in Shoreditch and Hoxton”, and only “the cleanest hybrids” and electric cars would be allowed into the zones, the magazine says. Hydrogen cars, which are less common than EVs, would also be permitted under the scheme.

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However, residents in affected areas will reportedly be exempt from the ban.

According to the Daily Express, the ban would apply between 7am to 10am and 4pm to 7pm.

The Ultra Low Emission Streets scheme is aimed at reducing levels of air and noise pollution, the newspaper says, and at encouraging more people to walk or cycle.

Hackney council’s cabinet member for neighbourhoods, transport and parks, Feryal Demirci, said the streets affected by the proposed vehicle ban “suffer from some of the worst air quality in London”, The Times reports.

The consultation runs until 14 February.

The proposal follows the launch last October of the £10-a-day T-Charge. This charge affects most petrol and diesel vehicles registered before 2006 and covers the same area as the Congestion Charge.