Khan announces largest car-free day in London

Sadiq Khan 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 on 22 September.

The Mayor of London said that the event will take place across 18 boroughs, with roads set to be closed for the event around London Bridge, Tower Bridge and much of the City of London to help tackle the capital’s air pollution crisis.

Boroughs across the city will also hold events promoting walking, cycling and public transport, as well as creating scores of ‘play streets’. Khan, currently under pressure following criticism from US President Donald Trump, said the day would offer an opportunity for people to leave their cars behind and explore streets by foot or by bike. It is hoped more than 150,000 Londoners will join in activities across the 18 boroughs.

Areeba Hamid of Greenpeace UK said: “It’s exciting to see London adopting the idea of having a car-free day, something great cities across the world from Paris to Bogotá have been giving a try … Reducing toxic air pollution and carbon emissions are vital, but they are far from the only benefit of reclaiming our streets.”