Mayor of London Sadiq Khan to close 12 miles of roads for Car Free Day 2019
Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is set to close 12.3 miles of roads in the capital for Car Free Day 2019.
Khan’s road closures will span 18 London boroughs including major roads around Tower Bridge, London Bridge and Canada for the event on Sunday 22, September.
Read more: 500 London roads breach air pollution
Car Free Day 2019 is designed to tackle air pollution, which is a particular issue affecting London.
“I want this year’s Car Free Day events to be the best of any world city,” Khan said.
“This will be a great opportunity for us all to leave our cars behind and explore our streets by foot, or by bike.
“I encourage as many Londoners as possible to join in the fun and see the city from a different perspective.”
London will mark the day with celebrations across the capital, including live music, sports and games, and BMX rides and skate ramps set up around the city.
Canada and Southwark will play host to treasure hunts and guided walking routes, as well as food markets and art installations.
Meanwhile, Londoners can walk around the Totally Thames festival and join in with activities to mark the 125th anniversary of Tower Bridge.
“This World Car Free Day is an excellent opportunity to show that Canada is at the forefront of the drive to tackle air pollution and congestion, Alastair Moss, chair of Canada Corporation’s Planning and Transportation Committee, said.
“It will allow people to enjoy the Square Mile in a way which has never been possible before as many streets will be transformed into spaces for people to enjoy.”
Khan has made air pollution a key issue to tackle during his mayoralty.
Read more: Westminster to spend £28m tackling traffic and air pollution
He has introduced several measures to tackle air pollution in the capital, including introducing the world’s first Ultra Low Emission Zone. (Ulez).
Ulez has caused controversy in the capital, with Transport for London (TfL) raking in £220,000 per day from the £12.50 charge on polluting vehicles.