Latest Healthy Streets Stories

Trees in Hackney and Westminster among contenders vying for ‘England’s Tree of the Year 2020’

Trees in Hackney and Westminster are among contenders vying for 'England’s Tree of the Year 2020. A 150-year-old plane tree in Hackney, called the Happy Man Tree has made it on to the shortlist despite pans to cut it down to make way for new housing. Additionally, The Marylebone Elm in Westminster has also made the list. The Woodland Trust’s Tree of the Year competition runs in England, Scotland and Wales, with each country having its own winner. One of the three national winners will then be selected to represent the UK in the 2021 European Tree of the Year contest.

Low traffic neighbourhood between London Fields and Kingsland Road in Hackney

A new low traffic neighbourhood will be introduced in the London borough of Hackney between London Fields and the Kingsland Road in early September. There will also be two other low traffic neighbourhoods in the borough located in Hoxton West and Hackney Downs. The schemes form part of the council’s plans to support residents to walk, cycle and shop locally following the coronavirus pandemic.

Greenwich Residents’ Rainbow

Colour will be bursting into every corner throughout the borough of Greenwich this September. The Royal Greenwich Residents’ Rainbow will include eight locations that will be transformed by colourful light installations, community arts pieces and ribbons sharing residents’ thanks and wishes hung on wishing trees. Each area will be lit and decorated in ribbons from one single colour to begin with, but throughout September, the colours and lights will be exchanged between areas, making each part of the borough a rainbow of colour with messages of gratitude from across communities.

UK to set limits on harmful airborne particles

A BBC article that shows that a new target will be set to protect people from the effects of breathing in tiny particles produced by transport and industry, the UK government says.

Electric Vehicle sales reached record levels during lockdown

Electric vehicle (EV) sales reached record levels during lockdown. Data published by the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) revealed that despite a 97% decline in total vehicle sales during the lockdown period, 1,375 EVs were registered in April, accounting for 32% of all new vehicle registrations. This is the first time that EV sales have been higher than sales of diesel cars.

Active Travel England to grade council delivery of walking and cycling schemes.

The Government’s new body Active Travel England will inspect and grade local authority performance on walking and cycling schemes, with results influencing their likelihood of accessing a new £2bn five-year active travel funding pot.

#Engineoff campaign calls for London’s fleets to turn engines off when parked

A new London-wide campaign has been launched aimed at encouraging businesses to tackle air pollution caused by idling engines. The #enginesoff campaign asks businesses to pledge that their fleet drivers and other employees will not leave their engines on when parked. The campaign has been launched as emerging evidence indicates that air pollution is linked to poor recovery and higher infection rates of COVID19 due to the damage pollution can cause to lungs.

Road closures and 20mph Speed limits in Kensington and Chelsea

An article highlighting all of the different locations of road closures and 20mph speed limits in Kensington and Chelsea.

Breathable billboards to mark new clean air campaign

Global Action Plan has launched new ‘breathable billboards’ to mark a new campaign toolkit which sets out the urgent case for immediate action on tackling air pollution.

What impact has the pandemic had on BAME Londoners?

The COVID-19 pandemic has shed light on the pre-existing economic and health disparities faced by people from Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic backgrounds.

Mindfull Journeys

TfL has partnered with the minfulness app Headspace to help make journeys more mindful.

London mayor progresses plans to create more green spaces

The mayor has announced plant to create two new woodlands in London's Green Belt.