The UK’s financial centre, the City of London, has announced bold plans to reduce harm from traffic with the aim of creating Britain’s first zero emission zone.

The long-term strategy for the Square Mile aims to make the capital’s business district a safe haven for pedestrians, with fewer vehicles, with zero emissions travelling at safer speeds.

The City of London sees 500,000 workers commute into just one square mile of offices and businesses every day and the new Transport Strategy is aimed at that 93% who use public transport to arrive at work, rather than those who use cars.

Chris Hayward, Planning & Transportation Chairman at the City of London Corporation said: “I am delighted that the City Corporation engaged with over 2,500 people during the earlier public consultations, the findings from which shaped these proposals.

“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.

“We know that 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 .

“Once finalised, this Transport Strategy will be transformative in ensuring that the Square Mile remains a healthy, accessible and safe commercial and cultural centre and a great place to live, work, and visit in the years to come.”

The strategy is being finalised before being sent for public consultation but aims to cut traffic in the zone by 50% by 2044 and also introduce a City-wide 15mph speed limit.

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