World Car Free Day: 200 London streets to close

About 200 streets across the capital will be closed this weekend to mark World Car Free Day.

Some of London’s roads will be transformed into temporary spaces for play and social gatherings, City Hall says.

Transport for London (TfL) is partnering with the mayor of London and London Play, which seeks to create spaces for children to play in.

Walking and cycling commissioner Will Norman 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.”

World Car Free Day itself is on Sunday.

Fiona Sutherland, director at London Play, said: “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?”