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London Car-Free Day to Help Curb Emissions

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On Sept. 22, London residents will observe a car-free day. Mayor Sadiq Khan recently announced the event as a way to help lower emissions. He believes it will encourage people to rethink carbon-reliant processes and transportation. “This will be a great opportunity for us all to leave our cars behind and explore our streets by foot, or by bike.”

Increased awareness about air pollution is important for many Londoners, considering the results of a recent study. According to the Transport for London, almost 50 percent of those surveyed didn’t realize vehicles were a primary factor in urban air pollution. 


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Clean air

Photo: NGerda

Details about the Clean Air Day

Per CNN, 12.4 miles of road in the city’s center will be closed to vehicular traffic on Sept. 22. Residents can participate in a variety of activities that will take place in the car-free areas. 18 of the city’s 32 boroughs will also host their own events; some of them, like “Play Streets,” will be geared toward children.  

The observation comes in the context of London’s recent establishment of an ultra low emission zone in the central part of the city. Starting in early April, gas-powered vehicles had to meet stringent emissions standards or else the driver would have to pay a fine. 

Photo: geralt

Sobering stats, small steps toward change

The car-free observation day is just one way that London is moving toward a healthier environment. According to the mayor’s office, more than two million people currently live in city areas that surpass the legal limits for nitrogen dioxide levels. 400,000 of these residents were children under the age of 18. 

Thanks to the city’s recent clean-air initiatives, however, nitrogen dioxide levels are starting to drop. Per The Guardian, they could reach legal levels within six years.  


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News Sources: CNN, The Guardian