More than half a million pounds will be used to improve air quality in three west London neighbourhoods.

Hammersmith , Harrow and Heathrow are three of six Neighbourhoods of the Future, which will receive a total of £1.4 million for innovative green technology and other initiatives to tackle London’s air quality emergency directly at a local level.

The announcement, from the Mayor of London and Transport for London (TfL) , comes after heavy air pollution alerts were was issued for the capital just a few days earlier.

The Neighbourhoods of the Future will help to break down the barriers preventing people from buying ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) and ease the transition for communities wanting to move to greener lifestyles, it has been said.

The schemes include a zero emission zone, "electric streets" that have a high concentration of electric vehicle charge points, and the trial technology including ultra-low emission HGVs.

Areas in west London to benefit are:

  • Hammersmith and Fulham (£210,000 overall funding) – A zero emission zone is proposed for Hammersmith town centre , including standard and rapid charge points for electric vehicles, as well as improvements to public space and sustainable urban drainage .
  • Heathrow (£130,000 overall funding) – A trial of one of the UK’s first hydrogen-diesel powered vans will take place at Heathrow Airport’s delivery consolidation centre, supporting the reduction of emissions from its day-to-day operations.
  • Harrow (£230,000 overall funding) – Mechanics will be specially trained to service ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs). electric vehilce charging points will be installed in Harrow town centre, and local businesses will trial the use of electric vehicle fleets.

The funding will be matched by money from the boroughs involved and Heathrow Airport.

A spokesman for the Mayor claimed the Neighbourhoods of the Future demonstrated the ongoing commitment of Sadiq Khan , TfL and London councils to work closely with local communities to improve the quality of London’s air.

Neighbourhoods of the Future’ forms a part of the London’s £13 million "Go Ultra Low Cities" scheme, the government-funded drive to encourage the switch to electric cars and vans.

Ealing Council, leader Cllr Julian Bell, is also chairman of London Councils’ transport and environment committee , and the Go Ultra Low City Scheme steering group.

He said: “These projects showcase the diverse and innovative work that London boroughs are doing to promote electric vehicle use and improve air quality.

“They also contribute to the overall Go Ultra Low Cities Scheme to implement charging infrastructure across the capital.

"It is great to see London boroughs working with the Mayor and TfL to test exciting new policies that could be rolled-out nationwide.”

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The news comes after Hammersmith and Fulham Council missed out on funding for a ground-breaking Lower Emission Neighbourhood scheme aimed at improving the air quality in the area under the Hammersmith Flyover near the Apollo theatre .

Last week, those with breathing difficulties were advised to stay in doors following a warning of high pollution in west London.

In April last year, Greenpeace activists placed emergency face masks on famous London landmarks including Nelson's Column in protest against pollution levels and poor air quality in the capital

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