Chalk Road on Car-Free Day
Barnet Council hosted Burnt Oak’s Car-Free Day on Saturday 21 September where the streets came alive with activities focused on sustainability and improving air quality.
The event, part of the Council’s ongoing Burnt Oak town centre improvements project, highlighted the importance of reimagining public spaces and promoting sustainable travel.
Themed ‘Celebrating Sustainable Streets’, Barnfield Road, between Watling Avenue and Silkstream Road, was temporarily pedestrianised to host a wide array of free family-friendly activities.
Including bike rides, a scavenger hunt, art installations, interactive workshops, live music, and pop-up stalls featuring local vendors the activities encouraged residents to explore how public spaces can be used in new ways.
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 a global event celebrated annually on 22 September where motorists are encouraged to give up their cars for a day. Funding for the event in Burnt Oak came as part of a successful bid to the GLA and TfL Mayor’s Air Quality Fund.
Earlier this year the council published its first annual report on Net Zero highlighting the progress towards becoming a net zero council by 2030 and a net zero borough by 2042: Barnet Zero annual report | Barnet Council
If residents are interested in finding out more or applying for a Play Street the information is on the council website: Play streets | Barnet Council