London’s Car Free Day: When it’s taking place and how you can get involved

It will take place over the next week as part of a bid to cut emissions and traffic
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A number of councils across the capital are set to take part in London’s Car Free Day, in an effort to inspire more sustainable ways of travel.

The idea behind the initiative is to encourage Londoners to cycle or walk around the city, to help reduce emissions and traffic.

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Campaigners also hope to convert redundant road and parking spaces across the city to more socially and economically productive uses such as new public parks, affordable housing and commercial space.

When is Car Free Day?

London’s official Car Free Day is on Wednesday 22 September, coinciding with World Car Free Day, but a number of councils are organising their own events, so check your council website to find out which day your area is ditching motor vehicles.

How did it start?

The idea first came about in 2017, when London resident Marco Picardi started apetition, after becoming aware of how the pollution in London could be damaging our health.

In his petition he stated that 10,000 people in London are dying every year from air pollution and highlighted how fumes increase the risks of developing respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, and are especially harmful to children and the elderly.

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London’s first official Car Free Day took place on Saturday 22 September 2018, after Picardi’s petition reached over 10,000 signatures and received backing from London Mayor Sadiq Khan.

London Play Streets

Alongside Car Free Day, other community groups across the city are organising various events making use of the empty streets.

Care Free Day partners, London Play are encouraging people to “swap cars for space hoppers” and try out a play street on Car Free Day.

Fiona Sutherland, Deputy Director of London Play told LondonWorld, that streets are a “community asset” which are “too valuable to be given up entirely to cars.”

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“During the pandemic, many of us have seen the streets we live on through new eyes. Londoners have gained a new appreciation for their streets as places for walking and talking; to get exercise and fresh air; to appreciate art in windows; and as spaces to support each other.

“This Car Free Day, people will be celebrating the many positive uses of their streets, by coming together in that shared, neutral space outside their homes to play, connect, laugh and chat.

“By applying for a trial play street their street will be closed to through traffic for a few hours to allow this transformation. But don’t worry if you’ve left it too late for Car Free Day. Play streets can happen all year round!”

How can I keep up to date with what’s going on?

You can keep an eye on events happening in your area by following the hashtags #LondonCarFreeDay and #LondonCarFreeDay2021 on Twitter.

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You can also follow updates on London Car Free Day’s official Twitter page.

How can I get involved?

Check your council website to find out when Car Free Day is happening in your area. Use this time to walk and cycle around the city and see if you can get involved with any of the other events happening.

If you like the idea of having a play street in your area or want to campaign for more pedestrianised high streets you can ask for it using this handy tool created by the Car Free Day campaign group.