SADIQ Khan’s plans to ban cars from parts of the capital for a day are set to cost Londoners £1million.
The Mayor of London’s plans to tackle pollution in the capital for a giant street celebration will see part of the city shut down on September 22.
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12.3 miles of road – the length of 200 football pitches – will be closed around Tower Bridge, London Bridge and the City of London for “celebrations” forcing commuters to walk, get the tube or get on their bikes instead.
And it’s been revealed that the move will cost £1million – paid for out of the Greater London Authority’s group budget.
£400,000 will go on shutting down roads, managing traffic, site management and security.
Another £600,000 will be splashed out on health and safety, marketing, and managing the event.
City Hall Tories said the day was nothing more than an overpriced PR stunt.
Keith Prince AM, the Conservatives’ transport spokesperson, said: “Londoners will rightly be angry to learn that they are having to pay £1 million just to be banned from driving in their own city. This is nothing less than a slap in the face and heinous waste of money.
“Londoners worried about the quality of our city’s air will question why the Mayor has chosen to splurge a million quid on a silly PR stunt rather than invest in robust measures to improve air quality. This money could have been used to buy a handful of electric buses, helping to clean up the air in some of our city’s most polluted areas.
“Once again the Mayor has demonstrated that he is more interested in indulging in shameless virtue signalling instead of properly getting to grips with the big issues facing London.”
A huge picnic will take place outside Bank station, and Londoners can take part in a cycle across Tower Bridge.
There will be a hedge maze in Cheapside and kids will be able to go-kart around central London.
Streets will be filled with arts and crafts areas, food stalls and art projects, and there will be places to “sit and enjoy relaxing music”.
The Mayor has said he hopes it will encourage more people to walk and cycle as part of their commutes.
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Roads will be closed from 7am and will re-open at 7pm.
A Mayor of London spokesperson said today: “Toxic air pollution is causing a public health crisis and more than 50 per cent of London’s harmful air is caused by vehicles. Car Free Day will allow people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities to experience traffic-free streets and inspire them to walk and cycle as part of their daily routine.
“Encouraging more Londoners to walk, cycle and use public transport is a key part of Sadiq’s transport strategy to tackle air pollution, get more people active and improve their health.”
Earlier this year the Mayor brought in plans to charge a million drivers an extra £12.50 to try and stop them travelling through the capital with his Ultra Low Emission Zone.
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