World Car Free Day is taking place this Friday (22 September).

The day provides a chance to experience some of our streets traffic-free, with a focus around people.

Richmond Council is encouraging everyone who can, to leave their car at home and walk or cycle when travelling locally this Friday.

Using these options for short journeys can help to improve local air quality as well as providing personal health benefits from physical activity.

For longer journeys, they are promoting ebike and escooter hire schemes, and for those unable to make journeys by foot or bike, many parts of the borough are well connected by public transport.

To mark Car Free Day we previously announced that we would be waiving all administration costs for road closures on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 September to encourage Play Streets.

This year there will be 31 Play Streets which offer residents the chance to close their roads to through traffic and allow children to safely play outside with their friends, family, and neighbours.

One of these is Lancaster Park, in Richmond, which is hosting their fourth street play day on Sunday 24 September.

The best way to mark Car Free Day is to make sure that your car stays parked for the duration of the day.

There are other ways that residents can support the campaign including hiring Lime Bikes or e-scooters, joining cycling sessions or taking a walk in the park.

Find out more about the initiative and all the ways to participate here.