Car-free day in London
Global cities such as London are introducing strict regulations to limit the levels of air pollution in their urban areas.
Sadiq Khan, Mayor of London has announced plans to implement London’s biggest car-free day to date, closing 12.3 miles (20km) of roads in the centre of the capital.
The event will draw awareness to the dangers of toxic air and encourage city dwellers to explore the capital without the use of a vehicle.
More than 50% of London’s toxic air pollution is caused by vehicles, but a recent Transport for London survey found half of Londoners did not realise cars or vans were the main cause of damaging air pollution.
Roads will be closed for this event around London Bridge, Tower Bridge and much of the City of London to help tackle the capital’s air pollution crisis, which kills thousands of people each year and leaves two million – including 400,000 children – living in areas with illegally dirty air.
Boroughs across the city will also hold events promoting walking, cycling and public transport, as well as creating scores of “play streets”.
It is the first time a London mayor has closed down large sections of roads in the city centre. Khan said the day would offer an opportunity for people to leave their cars behind and explore streets by foot or by bike.
The Mayor of London hopes more than 150,000 Londoners will join in Reimagine activities.
As the climate heats up, World Car free Day is the perfect time to take the heat off the planet, and put it on city planners and politicians to give priority to cycling, walking and public transport, instead of to the automobile.
