Lewisham looking forward to its car-free day of fun and fresher air

Lewisham council is bringing free street games and children’s play activities to Deptford High Street this Saturday to celebrate World Car Free Day.

From 11am-2pm, a pedestrianised zone will provide a rare car free space for residents, shoppers and local businesses to enjoy. There will be a range of free children’s play activities, including space hopper races, giant hopscotch, arts and crafts and other traditional street games, organised by London Play.

The Saturday market will be taking place as normal, so residents and visitors are invited to come on down, enjoy the games and music – and of course the wide range of shops and market stalls the High Street has to offer.

World Car Free Day is an annual event that encourages drivers to give up their cars for the day and sees activities taking place on roads usually dominated by cars to highlight the benefits such as improved road safety, air quality and congestion as well as enhancing the community’s public space and increasing footfall for local businesses.

In addition to the showpiece event on Deptford High Street, 20 roads will be transformed into play streets across the borough over that weekend, following applications from residents on those roads.

Deputy mayor Louise Krupski, cabinet member for environment, transport and climate action, said: “Following the success in previous years, we are thrilled to be hosting our World Car Free Day event again and supporting Play Streets taking place across the borough. I’m looking forward to seeing lots of people re-imagining and enjoying the spaces outside their front doors.

“We know that there are many benefits of moving towards a reduced car future, a future that puts the health and wellbeing of community and environment first. This annual, global event is our way of celebrating the hard work we are already doing to make our borough greener, safer, and healthier, as well as shining a light on what could be possible.”

Pictured top: Reclaiming the streets brings joy to this young family (Picture: PhotosByAlex.co.uk)