Car free day: Roads to close for children’s games and activities
A high street is being transformed into a giant play area – for adults and children alike – this car free day.
Lewisham council is partnering with charity-led organisation London Play to bring street games and children’s activities to Deptford High Street on September 23.
As well as the regular Saturday market, the usual pedestrian zone in the high street will be extended up to the junction of Finch Street, allowing some extra space for shoppers to enjoy.
London Play will be organising space hopper races, giant hopscotch, arts and crafts and other street games. Additional outdoor seating will also be placed around the high street.
Car Free Day is an annual event which encourages drivers to give up their cars for the day and sees activities taking place in roads usually dominated by cars to highlight the benefits of reduced car use for improving road safety, air quality and congestion.
Elsewhere in the borough, residents are organising Play Streets, with certain roads temporarily closed to traffic, enabling children to play safely in the street and providing residents with the opportunity to get to know their neighbours.
Lewisham councillor Louise Krupski, cabinet member for environment and climate action, said: “Car Free Day is a fantastic opportunity for residents to enjoy traffic-free streets and explore how we can make better use of road space.
“Reducing car use in the borough is vital for tackling air pollution and improving road safety, and Car Free Day creates a vision of safer, less congested streets that we can all enjoy.
“The activities will also help attract more visitors to the market and high street, providing a welcome boost in footfall for local businesses and traders.”
Pictured top: Space hopper races orgnaised by London Play (Picture: London Play)