The City of London Corporation has unveiled new plans to tackle air quality, road danger and congestion – including the introduction of a 15mph speed limit across the Square Mile.
The 25-year draft strategy, published on 17 October, sets out ‘bold visions and outcomes’ for the City.
The strategy includes the implementation of a 15mph speed limit, subject to approval by the DfT, which is designed to ‘reduce the likelihood and severity of collisions’.
The strategy also prioritises the needs of pedestrians – with vehicles that do not have a final destination in the City directed away from pedestrian priority areas.
It outlines support for the next generation in road user charging for Central London – as part of a range of measures to reduce motor traffic levels by 25% by 2030 and 50% by 2044.
The strategy also addresses accessibility for people with mobility needs, on street security, improving the cycling experience, electric vehicle charging infrastructure and emerging technology.
Cllr Chris Hayward, planning and transportation chairman at the City of London Corporation, said: “The Square Mile is a unique place to travel, therefore radical proposals are required to future-proof this world class, growing business and cultural centre.
“The way that the vast majority of people get to the City is different than elsewhere across the world, with 93% of commuters arriving here by public transport, walking or cycling.
“Nine out of 10 of collisions that result in someone being killed or seriously injured in collisions involve a motor vehicle and so we need bold proposals to make our streets safer.”
The draft strategy will be presented to the Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee on 30 October, with the final strategy submitted to decision making bodies in spring 2019.
This is great news. City leads others follow. Goes with policies to encourage considerate walking and cycling.
Peter Treadgold, London
--10
Yes some new cars do but the vast majority are older vehicles and they need to be turned off in order to reduce polluting. That’s what is recommended in the Highway Code, that if one was to be stationary for any length of time one should turn of the engine. Unfortunately many older cars don’t have a battery capacity that would enable that to happen regularly without running out of power early.
R.Craven
+5
Don’t some modern cars cut out their engine when stationary? Occasionally I hear engines start at traffic lights and other otherwise ‘idling moments’. I recently had a courtesy car for a day and was annoyed when it appeared to stall as I slowed to stop and there was me turning the key each time to restart it not realising it would have done anyway. I was glad to get my own ageing car back.
Hugh Jones
+1
Yes what a shame that it doesn’t. Cyclists will be overtaking cars in their droves.
I doubt that that is anything new in such a busy conurbation where traffic is travelling at a snails pace anyway. Pollution should be low as they are driving slower but perhaps wasting fuels and creating more pollution by being stationary with the engine running.
R.Craven
+6
Only if it applies to all vehicles rather than motor vehicles!
Rod King, Lymm
--3
That will slow some of the …….cyclists down…… won’t it.
R.Craven
+2