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Petrol and diesel cars will be banned during peak hours in parts of east London from July 2018.

Islington and Hackney Council signed off the plans this week following a public consultation in February

Motorists who are caught flouting the rules on the designated roads in Shoreditch and Bunhill could face fines of up to £130.

The scheme will see all but the cleanest cars banned from nine streets between the hours of 7am and 10am and 4pm and 7pm.

During these peak times, only electric cars, e-bikes, the newest hybrids and hydrogen vehicles and bicycles will be allowed to travel on the roads.

The scheme which is part of the ‘Low Emission Neighbourhood’ (LEN) project, with funding from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund, has been given the green light following a public consultation last month.

According to Hackney council, the scheme was supported by 70 per cent of people living within 10km of the area and 56 per cent of all respondents to the consultation were in favour of the changes.

Cllr Feryal Demirci, Hackney Council’s Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, Transport and Parks, said: “The streets around Shoreditch suffer from some of the worst air quality in London – ultra-low emission streets will have reduced levels of air and noise pollution, make it easier and safer to walk and cycle and improve the character of the area for all residents and businesses.

“To start with we’re banning petrol and diesel vehicles in the morning and evening rush hours to reduce people’s exposure to dangerous fumes and make the streets safer when people are walking and cycling to and from work and school.

She said the council’s ultimate goal is to reclaim the streets from polluting motor vehicles.

Cllr Claudia Webbe, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment and Transport, added: “Air pollution is a huge issue for Islington residents living, working and learning in the City Fringe, and we are proud to be leading from the front with Hackney in this pioneering scheme – the first of its kind in the UK.

“This is big news for students and staff at Central Foundation Boys School – the most polluted state secondary in London – and the positive public feedback shows we are right to keep pushing for new ways to improve air quality and prevent polluting vehicles from damaging people’s health. I look forward to the results.”

Deputy Mayor for Environment and Energy, Shirley Rodrigues, said: “By developing innovative measures to tackle toxic hot spots, London’s communities can make a real difference in reducing the number of dirty vehicles on our roads.

"That’s why the Mayor invested £5 million in creating five Low Emission Neighbourhoods across the capital, benefitting eight boroughs, where bold action will offer drivers incentives to switch to cleaner vehicles and help transform local areas. In addition, Sadiq has brought forward the central London Ultra-Low Emission Zone and introduced the T-Charge, and continues to urge the Government to follow his lead and provide greater funding to tackle this public health crisis.”