Barnet Council hosted Burnt Oak’s Car-Free Day on Saturday, 21 September, transforming the streets with activities focused on sustainability and air quality improvement.
The event, part of the Council’s ongoing Burnt Oak town centre improvements, was held to promote the importance of reimagining public spaces, and encouraging sustainable travel.
Under the theme ‘Celebrating Sustainable Streets,’ Barnfield Road between Watling Avenue and Silkstream Road was closed to traffic, making way for family-friendly activities. These included bike rides, a scavenger hunt, art installations, interactive workshops, live music, and pop-up stalls featuring local vendors. The event encouraged residents to explore new ways to use public spaces.
Cllr Alan Schneiderman, Cabinet Member for the Environment and Climate Change, said: “This year’s Burnt Oak Car-Free Day has been a fantastic showcase of how we can transform our streets for the better.
“By reducing reliance on cars and promoting active travel, we not only improve air quality but create safer, more vibrant spaces for our community to enjoy.
“I’d like to thank everyone who joined us for this wonderful day, and a special thanks to the GLA (Greater London Authority) and TfL (Transport for London) for making it possible through their Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.”
World Car-Free Day is celebrated annually on 22 September, encouraging motorists to go without their cars for a day. The Burnt Oak event was funded by a successful bid to the GLA and TfL Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.
Earlier this year, Barnet Council published its first annual report on reaching net zero, detailing the progress towards becoming a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero borough by 2042.
For more information on applying for a Play Street, visit the council website.
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