The UK’s first zero-emissions street trial in London has ended, allowing pollution levels to soar.
A ban on polluting vehicles on Beech Street, which runs under the Barbican, cut pollution by 58%.
But, despite plans to consult on making the scheme permanent, the pilot has timed out by running for the maximum 18 months.
The £1.8m trial, funded with £1m from the Mayor of London’s Clean Air Fund, cut vehicle traffic by 90%, leaving the street for electric vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.