Families in Richmond are being encouraged to reclaim their streets this September by hosting a Play Street as part of Car Free Day 2025.

On Saturday 20 and Sunday, 21 September, residents can apply to close their roads to through-traffic for up to four hours, creating safe, traffic-free spaces where children can play outdoors and neighbours can come together.

To help spread the fun, Richmond Council has confirmed it will once again waive administration fees for the necessary road closures.

Any residential street can apply, provided it is not a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle route.

Organisers will need to secure permission, consult with neighbours, and ensure volunteers are present to supervise, manage access for residents' cars and allow emergency vehicles through if needed.

Applications must be submitted before the deadline of 29 August 2025.

Car Free Day is part of a global initiative to reduce reliance on cars, cut air pollution and encourage more active travel.

Richmond Council is also urging residents to use the weekend to walk, cycle, or explore alternative forms of sustainable travel.

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Other ways to get involved include:

• Try Before You Bike – hire a bike, e-bike or cargo bike for a monthly fee with the option to buy.
• Borrow a cargo bike – through Our Bike's local electric cargo hire scheme, available at nine locations across the borough.
• Discover new walking routes – explore local parks and open spaces for fresh ideas on exercise and wellbeing.

The Council says Car Free Day is also an opportunity to reflect on the borough's Air Quality Action Plan (2025–2030), which sets out measures to cut emissions and make Richmond a cleaner, healthier place to live.

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