Agenda item

Report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection.

The Committee received a report of the Director of Markets and Consumer Protection that advised Members of the award of £990,000 in funding over three years from the Mayor of London’s Air Quality Fund to implement a Low Emission Neighbourhood (LEN). Members noted that the 17 measures included in the bid document, which had been circulated electronically by the Town Clerk, outlined what actions the funding was being spent on.

In response to a Member’s question regarding the LEN being implemented in the Barbican area, the Director of Port Health and Public Protection advised that substantial consultation had taken place and the outcome was to include Beech Street (one of the most highly polluted areas within the City of London), Barts Hospital and Guildhall. There was positive engagement and interest from local residents within the proposed LEN area. The Chairman added that the success of the LEN could be used as a model for future proposals to create a clean air zone across the City of London. The Member who asked the initial question then requested that air pollution should be monitored around the Aldgate roadworks as they had been causing increased traffic congestion. Other Members noted their concerns that local residents in the Beech Street area should still be able to access taxis and buses during those hours dedicated to limited traffic.

RESOLVED – That the report be noted.