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Sadiq Khan has announced that large areas of London will be closed to cars and trucks so that people can safely walk and bike as the coronavirus blockade is alleviated.
In one of the largest car-free initiatives of any city in the world, the capital’s mayor announced on Friday that the main streets between London Bridge and Shoreditch, Euston and Waterloo, and Old Street and Holborn will be limited to buses, pedestrians and cyclists
Authorities said they were working with districts to implement similar restrictions on minor roads they drive within the area. Cars and trucks will also be banned at Waterloo Bridge and London Bridge.
Experts say encouraging walking and biking as people return to work is crucial because physical distance is impossible in crowded transportation, and increased car use would cause stagnation and increased pollution. from air.
Khan said Covid-19 posed “the biggest challenge for London’s public transport network in Transport for London’s history”.
He added: “It will take a monumental effort on the part of all Londoners to maintain safe social distancing on public transport as closure restrictions are gradually eased.
“That means that we have to keep the number of people using public transport as low as possible. And we can’t see the trips that used to be made on public transport replaced by car use because our roads would be blocked in an unusable way right away and toxic air pollution would skyrocket. “
Work on the road closures will begin immediately, and authorities say it should be completed within six weeks.
As part of plans to limit car use, Khan has also reintroduced the congestion charge, which will increase from £ 11.50 to £ 15 and the ultra low emission zone and low emission zone. To support NHS staff, the congestion charge reimbursement scheme is being expanded and will also be open to homeworkers.
Khan warned people that the changes would be detrimental. “If we want transport in London to be safe and keep London competitive globally, then we have no choice but to quickly reuse the streets of London for people.
“By ensuring that our city’s recovery is green, we will also tackle our toxic air, which is vital to ensure we do not replace one public health crisis with another. I urge all municipalities to work with us to make this possible.” .
He said he “fully appreciated” the difficulties the move can cause many Londoners. “It will mean a fundamental reinvention of how we live our lives in this city. And this transformation will not be smooth. But I promise to be as clear and direct as possible to Londoners about what we are doing, why and exactly what we need from you to keep us safe. “
City leaders worldwide, from Madrid to Mexico City, have introduced measures to encourage walking and cycling in recent weeks in response to the coronavirus crisis.
But David Miller, of the C40 group that has been coordinating much of the response, said Khan’s announced plans stood out.
“Congratulations to … Khan for showing the world what is possible when we reimagine our cities for the benefit and health of all,” he said.
“These measures announced today in London, including major car-free zones, will clean the air that Londoners breathe, will improve public health both during the Covid-19 pandemic and in the future, while helping to prevent the crisis. climatic. This is the future we want. “
