London goes traffic-free this Sunday

Posted on 18 Sep 2019

Eighteen London boroughs will take part in World Car Free Day, with 20 kilometres of road to be closed around Tower Bridge, London Bridge and the City of London on Sunday 22 September 2019.

London boroughs are also organising events including collaborating with residents to create local safe spaces where children can play and communities can get together.

The Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan, has a target of 80% of all journeys to be taken via sustainable modes of transport by 2041, compared to the 63% today.

"Air pollution has become a silent killer around the world. This is not merely rhetoric, but an inescapable reality-backed up by cold, hard facts-and one that demands urgent action from our political leaders."- Mayor of London, Sadiq Khan

There are many other cities around the world that will be joining in on the day as well. London, Seoul and Santiago are just a few of the cities that are taking part in the UN Environment Programme's Breathe Life network working to beat air pollution in urban areas. The network so far consists of 63 cities, regions and countries covering a population of 271 million citizens with a goal to implement the necessary regulations and create conditions to tackle the air pollution crisis.

Some cities within the network have already excelled passed what is expected, for example, Paris has so far been car free in the city centre on the first Sunday of each month since September 2018. Spanish cities, which include Madrid and Barcelona, are in the process of banning the most polluting cars from the city centres.

World Car-Free Day is celebrated every 22nd of September around the globe where people are encouraged to use public or non-motorized transport such as walking or cycling to get around. This Sunday, ensure you join the global celebrations and leave your car at home, to #BeatAirPollution.