Latest Healthy Streets Stories

Pocket forest to sprout up near Harrods as rewilding craze comes to central London

Over 600 native trees and shrubs are being planted in a small patch of open ground on Pont Street. The new 240 m2 urban glade on the north side of Cadogan Square will be left for “nature to take its course” creating a friendly habitat for birds and insects. This initiative is a partnership between property company Cadogan, luxury fashion house Louis Vuitton, which has a huge store on Sloane Street, and rewilding consultancy SUGi (corr).

Reducing air pollution levels by 20% could improve learning ability by one month per year

A recent study by Airly shows that air pollution exceeds standards set by WHO near 41% of schools. The impact of the school run on air quality highlights the damaging link between diesel-related air pollution and respiratory illness in children.

New London Architecture and Southwark Council Launch Competition for Transformation of Bramcote Park

Southwark Council and New London Architecture, alongside landowners Notting Hill Genesis and Optivo, invite architects, designers and artists to send in innovative and creative proposals for a new masterplan for Bramcote Park, which is currently split by a traffic-heavy main road. Interested applicants are invited to submit their proposal by midday on 21 October 2021.

More people cycle in Hackney than in any other borough, research finds

New Department for Transport (DfT) data ("Walking and cycling statistics, England: 2020") shows that more people cycled in Hackney than in any other London borough in 2020 when compared to previous years. London was ranked the country's commuter cycling capital, with Hackney cyclists also most likely to use their bikes five times a week.

London North Eastern Railway encourages people to explore London on foot

London North Eastern Railway distributed free Central London Footways Maps on World Car Free Day 2021 in a bid to encourage people to walk and explore London's scenic streets by foot. Walking to and from railway stations has a smaller impact on the environment and is also beneficial for physical and mental health.

London Cycling Campaign starts Petition to keep pop-up cycle lanes

More than 7,000 people have signed a petition started by the London Cycling Campaign (LCC) in response to the tragic accident, demanding rapid action be taken to prevent further fatalities at dangerous junctions across the capital.

£18m of funding provided to improve Strand/Aldwych gyratory

Under the scheme, the area in front of Somerset House and King’s College on the Strand will be transformed into a traffic-free area by August 2021. The existing traffic gyratory will be removed, and two-way traffic on Aldwych will be introduced, allowing for the creation of a pedestrian and cycle zone on the Strand between Lancaster Place and Surrey Street.

Outer London sees 22% rise in cycling

Transport for London (TfL) has published new cycle count data that shows increased levels of cycling in both inner and outer London last autumn, as people across the capital continued to use active travel as a vital way of getting around during the coronavirus pandemic. Significant increases in outer London also suggest that the types of journeys may be changing, as people increasingly use bikes to get around their local area, to access their local high streets and for exercise.

New ‘super-plant’ that absorbs pollution

Bushy, hairy-leafed cotoneaster is a “super plant” that can help soak up pollution on busy roads, horticultural experts have said. Scientists at the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) looked at the effectiveness of hedges for soaking up air pollution, comparing different types of shrubs including cotoneaster, hawthorn and western red cedar. The study forms part of work by the charity to ease environmental problems such as air pollution, flooding and heatwaves, boosting the benefits of gardens and green spaces.

New eco hub will allow zero-emission deliveries in London

London’s oldest and most established courier company Absolutely has opened its new Eco Hub, a zero-emissions depot in Holborn, London. The new site will allow businesses to expand on their Central London Sameday, Overnight and Fulfilment service offerings to local businesses, supporting their growth and enabling them to service a national customer base.

Outdoor dining to return to the West End

Westminster council has decided to bring back it's successful "Al Fresco" dining scheme. Last summer the council saw a total of 60 roads — including 17 in Soho alone — transformed through temporary closures and pavement widening to help provide more space for the hospitality sector. Following it's sucess, streets across the West End will be closed to traffic from April 2021 to the end of September 2021 to turn them into alfresco dining boulevards.

Zero-emission deliveries to continue in Waltham Forest

Waltham Forest Council has announced that they will extend their contract with Zedify in order to continue their zero-emission delivery services for a further five years. Waltham Forest was the first council in the UK to facilitate zero-emission delivery services through its ZED Waltham Forest Project.