Hundreds of streets across the capital to close for World Car Free Day
About 200 streets across London will close this weekend in celebration of World Car Free Day.
From today until the official World Car Free Day on Sunday, streets across London will be transformed into temporary spaces for play and social gatherings.
Transport for London (TfL) has partnered with the Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, and London Play – an organisation that works to create spaces for children to play in.
Emma Strain, customer director at TfL, said: “Londoners of all ages should join the fun and enjoy car free streets across London this weekend.”
London Play is offering participating streets play equipment, including free space hoppers. One neighbourhood in Wandsworth has won a mini-carnival event, including an on-street ‘Karnival Kart’ building workshop and parade.
Stations along what will soon become the London Overground’s Windrush line – running from Highbury & Islington to Clapham Junction, New Cross, Crystal Palace and West Croydon – will also join the celebrations, and among the activities is a carnival-themed DJ set at Dalston Junction station.
Fiona Sutherland, director at London Play, said: “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? How much have we all lost by retreating from that ‘common ground’ outside our homes? Car Free Day brings these questions to the surface.”
Picture: World Car Free Day (Picture: London Play)