Around 200 streets across London are closing his weekend to mark World Car Free Day.

Car Free Day flyer. Credit: London Play

Local roads throughout the capital will become ‘play streets’ from today until Sunday (20-22 September), enabling thousands of Londoners to head out on the streets and spend time with their neighbours.

London Play is offering participating streets play equipment, including free space hoppers, and one neighbourhood in Wandsworth has won a mini-carnival event, including an on-street ‘Karnival Kart’ building workshop and parade.

It’s hoped the scheme will spark Londoners to contact their local councils to ask if their street is suitable for regular play street sessions.

A play street means neighbours agree together to open their street for play and community – and close it to through traffic – temporarily but regularly. Most councils in London offer residents the opportunity to apply for free.

According to TfL, play streets contribute to tackling isolation and improving mental health in London’s communities, improving air quality, reducing road danger and inspiring more Londoners of all ages to get active as part of their daily lives through walking and cycling.

Stations along what will soon become the London Overground Windrush line will also join the celebrations, and amongst the activities is a carnival-themed DJ set at Dalston Junction station.

Hackney Council is also pitching in as the Hackney Carnival returns following a five-year absence on Sunday 22 September.

Walking and Cycling Commissioner Will Norman said: “World Car Free Day is an important moment to celebrate the progress we’ve made in building more liveable neighbourhoods, and embracing a different vision for our streets.

“The Mayor and I are delighted to once again be supporting the activation of play streets on Car Free Day, a unique opportunity to transform streets into playful and social spaces where the whole community can come together to scoot, bike, walk, space hop and socialise safely.”