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Car Free Day
The 22nd of September is World Car Free Day, a day where people are encouraged to use alternative forms of transport such as walking, cycling, or public transport and allows us to experience the streets free of traffic. It’s a great chance for people to reclaim their streets, set up outside spaces in the road, and enjoy a tranquil day without the noise, pollution and danger of cars.
Some residents also set up “parklets” in their roads where cars would usually be parked, allowing them to enjoy setting up gardens in their roads and sitting watching the world go by. For example Hackney in London’s council now allows people to apply for permits for parklets on a more permanent basis, a scheme spurred on by car free day.
Whilst these events have gained momentum, they are difficult to organise. For greater success, broader public support and commitment from government and councils would be needed.
How the Covid-19 lockdown has affected pollution levels
This year has already seen unusually low levels of traffic. In the midst of lockdown in the UK, traffic levels fell 73% to levels last seen in 1955. The streets were noticeably quieter, and pollution levels fell as a result. Consequently, air pollution levels fell, and the lower noise pollution even caused wildlife to venture into some towns. But by July, traffic levels were back to normal as lockdown eased but it still provided food for thought for those who noticed and appreciated the fall.
How much pollution do cars cause?
In general, road traffic has increased 27% from 1990 to 2018, and accounts for 22% of the total UK emissions of carbon dioxide. Two million people in London are living with illegal air pollution, including 400,000 children according to data from London Atmospheric Emission Inventory. This makes for alarming reading and shows something needs to desperately change.
Reducing your driving: our tips
For some, transport without a car is near impossible, especially for those who need to travel long distances, live in remote areas or have mobility issues. But, if it’s something you can consider and you would like to do your bit to help the environment, consider going car free for the day, week, month, or even longer. Alternatively, think about the other ways in which you could reduce your driving. Here are some of our tips.
Should I go electric?
In March 2020, the UK government announced that they are providing £532 million for consumer incentives for ultra-low emission vehicles. This means those looking for an electric vehicle are eligible for a grant up to £3,000. Additionally, the government is providing grants for councils to install chargers, and to property owners to install chargers on their property.
Although the choice is continually increasing, the majority of electric cars are still very expensive, so aren’t a realistic option for everyone. However, if you are able to afford it, make lots of small local journeys, have your own garage/ parking space, then it’s something you should consider. Just think - in one year, an electric car can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2, making our cities and towns cleaner for everyone.
Some residents also set up “parklets” in their roads where cars would usually be parked, allowing them to enjoy setting up gardens in their roads and sitting watching the world go by. For example Hackney in London’s council now allows people to apply for permits for parklets on a more permanent basis, a scheme spurred on by car free day.
Whilst these events have gained momentum, they are difficult to organise. For greater success, broader public support and commitment from government and councils would be needed.
How the Covid-19 lockdown has affected pollution levels
This year has already seen unusually low levels of traffic. In the midst of lockdown in the UK, traffic levels fell 73% to levels last seen in 1955. The streets were noticeably quieter, and pollution levels fell as a result. Consequently, air pollution levels fell, and the lower noise pollution even caused wildlife to venture into some towns. But by July, traffic levels were back to normal as lockdown eased but it still provided food for thought for those who noticed and appreciated the fall.
How much pollution do cars cause?
In general, road traffic has increased 27% from 1990 to 2018, and accounts for 22% of the total UK emissions of carbon dioxide. Two million people in London are living with illegal air pollution, including 400,000 children according to data from London Atmospheric Emission Inventory. This makes for alarming reading and shows something needs to desperately change.
Reducing your driving: our tips
For some, transport without a car is near impossible, especially for those who need to travel long distances, live in remote areas or have mobility issues. But, if it’s something you can consider and you would like to do your bit to help the environment, consider going car free for the day, week, month, or even longer. Alternatively, think about the other ways in which you could reduce your driving. Here are some of our tips.
- Consider your journey length - is it walkable: some more local journeys can be done by foot. Challenge yourself to once or twice a week making that short car journey on foot
- Get yourself a bike: cycling is good for you in so many ways - it improves your heart, lungs and circulation, reducing your risk of cardiovascular diseases. If you are nervous to start cycling, start with short journeys first and build up to longer ones.
- Consider carpools: If you have to drive the kids to school, or drive to work, think about whether you know any people en route/ nearby going the same direction that you could organise a carpool with.
- Working from home: This one applies if you drive to work. If there is anything we can take from lockdown, it’s the normalisation of working from home with many companies planning to allow continued working from home into the future. If you work in an office and could work from home, but aren’t currently doing so, consider bringing it up with your boss.
- Plan trips: being confident with the route you are taking reduces the risk of taking a wrong turn and lengthening the time you spend driving. Take a look at your route carefully on Google maps before setting off.
Should I go electric?
In March 2020, the UK government announced that they are providing £532 million for consumer incentives for ultra-low emission vehicles. This means those looking for an electric vehicle are eligible for a grant up to £3,000. Additionally, the government is providing grants for councils to install chargers, and to property owners to install chargers on their property.
Although the choice is continually increasing, the majority of electric cars are still very expensive, so aren’t a realistic option for everyone. However, if you are able to afford it, make lots of small local journeys, have your own garage/ parking space, then it’s something you should consider. Just think - in one year, an electric car can save an average 1.5 million grams of CO2, making our cities and towns cleaner for everyone.
How can trees help with pollution from cars?
Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (which partly comes from cars and other transport) from the air through photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen, which they emit. A tree can consume 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year and release enough oxygen for a human to breathe for two years. So simply put, the more trees there are, the more carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air.
Find out more about ‘Car Free Day’
Trees and plants absorb carbon dioxide (which partly comes from cars and other transport) from the air through photosynthesis and convert it into oxygen, which they emit. A tree can consume 48 pounds of carbon dioxide each year and release enough oxygen for a human to breathe for two years. So simply put, the more trees there are, the more carbon dioxide is absorbed from the air.
Find out more about ‘Car Free Day’
