Car Free Day, fees waived for Play Streets

Admin

August 28, 2025
3 min read

Car Free Day, fees waived for Play Streets

Fees are being waived to encourage more roads to become a Play Street for a day in Richmond upon Thames. Families in the borough are once again invited to “come out and play” as part of Car Free Day this September.

The borough is encouraging locals to host a Play Street on their road, either on Saturday 20^th September, or Sunday 21^st September, by closing their roads to through-traffic for up to four hours. These closures will mean that children will be able to play out on the street and have fun with friends, family, and neighbours.

Grief Support Services in Richmond upon Thames

Local services providing emotional and practical support for those experiencing loss in Richmond.

Waste and Recycling Collections for Summer Bank Holiday in Richmond

Important updates to bin and recycling collection schedules for the summer bank holiday weekend.

Youth Consultation for Under-18s on Local Parks and Open Spaces

Young people are being asked to share their views on the future of parks and open spaces in Richmond.

To encourage this, Richmond upon Thames will once again be waiving the administration costs for the necessary road closures. To host a Play Street, residents will need to get permission to have their street closed and will need to speak to their neighbours in case there are any objections.

Residents will also be responsible for organising and supervising events, including ensuring someone is present to allow safe access if required for residents’ cars and emergency vehicles. Any street can apply, providing their street isn’t a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle route.

You can apply to host a Play Street before this year’s deadline of 29 August.

Take the opportunity, on Car Free Day, Monday 22^nd September, to walk or cycle when travelling locally that day or over the weekend, to experience traffic-free streets, clean up our air, and boost health and wellbeing. If you don’t own a bicycle and want to trial one, you can hire a new bicycle, e-bike or cargo bike with Try Before You Bike for a monthly fee. You have the option to then buy the bike.

If you need to carry things with you, such as your shopping or small children, why not try an electric cargo bike hire scheme? There are nine locations across the borough and you can find your nearest one on this map. Take a walk in a new park or open space. Get some ideas for doing exercise and activities in the borough.

Find out more on how Richmond is tackling air pollution by reading its Air Quality Action Plan 2025 to 2030.

For more updates on Richmond upon Thames, visit EyeOnLondon Richmond upon Thames.