Lambeth Council is exploring the possibility of expanding its successful Car-Free Days programme to more areas across the borough, aiming to bring benefits to residents, businesses, and community spaces.
The expansion of the programme follows positive impacts seen on Abbeville Road in Clapham and Atlantic Road in Brixton. At a council meeting on Wednesday, Councillor James Bryan, Deputy Chief Whip, inquired about the potential extension of the Car Free Days programme to other parts of the borough, so more residents and businesses can enjoy these benefits. Councillor Rezina Chowdhury, Deputy Leader of the Council (Sustainable Lambeth and Clean Air), responded, highlighting the council's commitment to creating neighbourhoods fit for the future and supporting local businesses.
We are committed to transforming our neighbourhoods to be fit for the future and implementing policies to help our businesses to thrive,
said Councillor Chowdhury. Car free events support this by enabling businesses expand into town centre streets for a short period of time.
Councillor Chowdhury outlined the extent of the programme in 2025, noting that 42 Car Free events are planned across 10 locations across the borough. This includes the popular Car Free weekends on Voltaire Road in Clapham, which provides over 500m2 of space for businesses to expand and offer community activities. She also mentioned recent Car Free Days in Vauxhall, Fitzalan Street, and Angell Town, with more planned for Wilcox Road and Abbeville Road.
Furthermore, Lambeth recently secured £100,000 from the GLA's Summer Streets Fund to enhance the Atlantic Road Car Free Day activities, extending them into the evening and creating new outdoor dining spaces on Brixton Station Road. This initiative is expected to support over 60 businesses directly and indirectly benefit over 120 businesses in Brixton, attracting over 2,000 additional visitors.
Councillor Chowdhury welcomed suggestions from ward councillors for future Car Free Day locations, indicating an open approach to expanding the programme based on local needs and opportunities. The council's efforts align with its broader goals of promoting sustainable transport, reducing reliance on private car use, and creating safer, greener, and more equitable streets for residents.
