HUNDREDS of streets are set to close this weekend as drivers are told to “ditch their cars” for a major event.
The restrictions will pop up across both days as part of a push to encourage cycling, walking and public transport.
Hundreds of roads are set to close this weekend in London[/caption]
The shutdowns are part of World Car Free Day[/caption]
Neighbourhoods across London are set to celebrate World Car Free Day in the coming days.
The global event involves shutting down roads where residents have applied to do so in order to provide a glimpse into a greener future with no motor vehicles.
The majority of shutdowns will take place on Sunday September 22, but a number will be enforced the day before instead.
It is being run by London Play, with support from TfL and the mayor’s office.
Around 200 routes across the capital will be closed as part of the celebrations.
Each borough’s event is organised by its own local council, but many have announced the planned closures well in advance.
Will Norman, City Hall’s walking and cycling commissioner, said: “World Car Free Day is an important moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made in building more liveable neigbourhoods, and embracing a different vision for our streets.”
Under the plans, roads will temporarily be transformed into spaces for socialising and for children to play.
These will include some of the city’s busiest streets, such as Tower Bridge, Bank Junction and Borough High Street.
Fiona Sutherland, director of London Play, added: “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?”
That sentiment was shared by TfL customer director Emma Strain, who said: “Londoners of all ages should join the fun and enjoy car free streets across London this weekend.
“Customers travelling on what will become the London Overground Windrush line will also see Dalston Junction station join the carnival-themed celebrations as well.”
Full list of major road closures on World Car Free Day 2024
City of London
The majority of roads in the City will be closed from 7am to 7pm on Sunday.
An outdoor festival area will be set up on Bank Junction, while a street market will take place on Cheapside
Southwark
Southwark will see a number of major closures, particularly the cross-river routes in the borough.
London Bridge, Southwark Bridge northbound, London Bridge and Tower Bridge will be closed from 7am to 7pm on Sunday.
Some buses will still run on London Bridge throughout the day, mainly to carry people to the Central London Reimagine Event in the area from 10.30am to 5pm.
Most of the streets in between the bridges will also be closed, including Borough High Street.
Other closures
Further road closures will take place in the following boroughs:
- Brent
- Croydon
- Ealing
- Hackney
- Hammersmith & Fulham
- Haringey
- Harrow
- Kensington & Chelsea
- Kingston
- Merton
- Newham
- Tower Hamlets
- Waltham Forest
- Westminster
A full list of the closures in your area can be found on your local council’s website.
Most of central London will be without motors on Sunday[/caption]
Even the bridges across the Thames will be shuttered off[/caption]
