Car Free Day celebrated across the borough

A section of Birkenhall Road outside the school was closed off to create a safe space where parents could get together and children could play, paint and scoot safely in a car-free environment.

Car Free Day, which was celebrated on Sunday 22 September, is a city-wide celebration that encourages pedestrians and cyclists to reclaim London’s streets. It’s also an opportunity for everyone to consider more sustainable and active ways of getting around including cycling, walking and public transport.

Less car use can lead to cleaner air, healthier lives and closer communities. Air pollution is a public health emergency. The Council is determined to tackle this emergency and improve air quality for everyone.

Damien said, ‘It’s fantastic to see communities across the borough embracing Car Free Day. These road closures are allowing children to play in the streets safely away from the dangers of cars and the air pollution they create. Reducing our dependence on cars is essential in the fight against toxic air pollution and climate change.

‘I’m proud that Lewisham is working on a plan to make the borough carbon neutral by 2030. Reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport is vital and that is why we need to help people to ditch their cars and pick up their bikes, walk, and use public transport. That is why we are campaigning for the Bakerloo Line Extension, why we have started to roll out the Healthy Neighbourhoods scheme across the borough, and it is why we offer month-long bike loans and free cycling lessons. I’d urge all our residents to join us this weekend in celebrating Car Free Day and do their bit for our planet and our young people.’