TfL World Car Free Day 2024: 200 London streets to close this weekend

Local roads will be transformed into temporary spaces for play and social gatherings from Friday September 20 to Sunday September 22.

Transport for London (TfL) is partnering with the mayor of London and London Play, to encourage Londoners to play, walk and cycle.

London Play is offering play equipment to participating streets, which will close to enable neighbours to come together.

Walking and Cycling Commissioner, Will Norman, said: "World Car Free Day is an important moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made in building more liveable neighbourhoods, and embracing a different vision for our streets. 

“The mayor and I are delighted to once again be supporting the activation of play streets on Car Free Day, a unique opportunity to transform streets into playful and social spaces where the whole community can come together to scoot, bike, walk, space hop and socialise safely."

Get the latest headlines, straight to your inbox, with LondonWorld’s free emails

Local events

Stations along what will soon become the London Overground Windrush line will join the celebrations, and amongst the activities is a carnival-themed DJ set at Dalston Junction station.

In Hounslow, the Council is hosting a guided cycle ride of the newly opened stretch of Cycleway 9 on Friday September 20 to give people the chance to enjoy a guided ride of the new route between Watermans Park and Alexandra Road in Brentford. 

The event will run from 3pm to 5pm on Friday September 20 at Watermans Park.

On Sunday September 22, Hounslow Council and its partners will be taking over a section of Hounslow High Street between 1pm and 4pm to celebrate Car Free Day.

Fiona Sutherland, director at London Play, said: “Even temporarily, seeing what happens when the cars stop can prompt a powerful shift in people’s perceptions about the potential uses of street space. Neighbours meet informally and swap stories. 

"Children cycle down their own street for the first time. Laughter rings out. Why have we prioritised cars, parked or moving, over people?”