The Square Mile is on track to become the first area in the UK with a 15mph speed limit, subject to government approval.

As well as pushing t0 become the UK’s first 15mph region, the City of London is planning to get the first Zero Emission Zone

The plans have been voted for by the City of London Corporation’s most senior decision-making body, the Court of Common Council, following public consultation into 54 proposals unveiled by the City Corporation last year under its first long-term Transport Strategy.

The proposal recognises the growing proportion of journeys taken up by walking – which accounts for 90% of all journeys made on the City’s streets – and cycling; in contrast, the number of vehicles using the Square Mile’s streets has halved in the last 20 years.

The move comes as the City Corporation announces that two operators, Freebike (electric bikes) and Beryl, will begin a six-month trial for dockless cycle hire in the Square Mile while it announced a fortnight ago that the Square Mile’s first rapid electric charging point has been installed, in line with plans for a Zero Emission Zone in central London.

A long-term programme to make these transformative changes will start later this year, with the 15mph speed limit implemented by 2021/22, subject to approval by the Department for Transport.