Petrol and diesel car ban: London street to become UK’s first zero-emission zone

The City of London is to introduce the UK’s first zero-emissions zone in April.

Dubbed the Moor Lane Ultra Low Emission Vehicle Pilot, the scheme aims to curb toxic emissions by permitting only fully electric and “certain hybrid vehicles” on a northern section of Moor Lane, west of Moorgate, the Financial Times reports.

Motorists in vehicles producing more than 75g/km of CO2 will “first receive stern letters” if caught driving in these zones, being handed a fine, the FT adds.

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The trial will run for 12 months and the city will then decide whether to scrap or expand the scheme.

According to Autocar, London authorities will “promote awareness of the planned restrictions” through a print and social media campaign, and will provide “clear street signage” in the low-emission zone.

It has not yet been decided whether the zone rules will apply around the clock or only between 7am and 11pm from Monday to Friday.

Shirley Rodrigues, London’s deputy mayor of environment and energy, said the scheme is “vital to encourage more Londoners to switch to ultra-low and zero-emission vehicles and help tackle the capital’s toxic”.