A unique scheme using long grass to protect cyclists and pedestrians from traffic pollution has launched in Hammersmith & Fulham.
The Talgarth Road Green Corridor uses sensors to monitor air quality and traffic and has sustainable drainage planting to reduce localised flooding.
The scheme is the latest innovative landmark as H&F Council pursues its ambition to become the greenest borough in the country.
“We are proud to continue forging ahead with creative, green solutions to inner-city problems like drainage and pollution,” said Cllr Wesley Harcourt, H&F Cabinet Member for Environment, Transport and Residents’ Services.
“This scheme not only provides a safe route for cyclists and walkers, but incorporates state-of-the-art technology alongside green innovations.”
The project, originally envisioned as a new safer cycling scheme, runs between Butterwick and Shortlands to the north of the Hammersmith Flyover and includes areas of tall grass called miscanthus.
Within two years the grass will grow to a height of around two metres, creating a natural barrier between people and the road.
Air pollution monitors installed on the site will track the effects of the grass in stopping vehicle fumes from reaching cyclists and pedestrians.
Surface water from this stretch of road drains into the roadside planting, reducing the strain on the sewer system and helping prevent floods.
The scheme also trials innovative new materials such as the ‘flexipave’ cycle path; a hard wearing recycled rubber which is water permeable to also help drainage.
It also includes the latest LED Lighting, CCTV cameras and Smart City Sensors to measure air quality, control street lighting and will also soon be installed with a sensor for counting traffic volumes.
The scheme was part-funded by H&F Council, with contributions from the London Mayor’s Air Quality Fund, Transport for London and HammersmithLondon BID.
Hammersmith & Fulham Council is recognised as one of the leading London authorities for sustainable drainage systems (SuDS) and is leading the charge in tackling air pollution.
