Pollution-busting traffic restrictions introduced on Britain’s first 24/7 ‘zero-emission street’ could return.

City of London Corporation plans to introduce the restrictions permanently on what is probably Britain’s most polluted street.

Fume free

Beech Street in London was closed to all petrol and diesel vehicles in March 2020. The 18-month experiment aimed to slash levels of harmful nitrogen dioxide.

Now, the Square Mile’s governing body is consulting on proposals to ban polluting vehicles from the street permanently.  Exceptions would be for deliveries, access to car parks and forecourts and rubbish collection.

Dangerous pollution

City of London Corporation Streets and Walkways Sub-Committee Chairman Graham Packham says the “unacceptably high levels of nitrogen dioxide’ need to be cut.

Beech Street is an enclosed tunnel thoroughfare. It has the unenviable record of being one of the most polluted streets in the City, especially nitrogen dioxide.

“Like the previous trial, the scheme we’re proposing would have a significant effect on reducing pollution levels and improving air quality in this part of the Square Mile.

“Doing nothing is not an option – we need to take radical action to ensure residents, workers and visitors to the City can breathe clean, healthy air.”

Breathe easy

The previous 18-month trial achieved great success. Nitrogen dioxide levels dropped 61% and contributed to a 42% drop in NO2 levels in the City.

Permanent restrictions in Beech Street would shave around 25% off the current NO2 reading of just under 40 µg/m3 and contribute to the City Corporation’s Climate Action Strategy.

The ambitious strategy intends to achieve net zero in its own operations by 2027 and in its supply chain by 2040. This will support the achievement of net zero for the Square Mile as a whole by the same year.

It is part of wider plans by the City Corporation and Islington Council to create healthier neighbourhoods.

Joint approach

Both authorities are consulting on how to cut pollution and through traffic.  The feedback will be used to develop a full plan for a formal consultation.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport, says “the climate emergency is critically urgent”.

“Our vision includes improvements to help the local community flourish, such as additional green spaces, unique placemaking features, and changes to make it easier to walk, cycle and wheel.

“Local people are central to these plans, and we’re looking forward to hearing their views on how we can create improved, more environmentally-friendly streets for all.”

The start

This is a first for the country, let alone London. It will be seen as a testing bed for other areas of the country going forward.