Islington Labour is committed to helping more people to walk or cycle, and as part of that commitment, Islington’s Labour-run council has transformed a car parking space into the borough’s first ‘parklet’ – creating more space for active travel whilst helping improve air quality.

The first of five new parklets was, this week, opened by Bunhill Labour councillors and offers local people a green place to sit for a moment, or park their bike whilst resting.

Speaking at the opening Cllr Claudia Webbe, Executive Member for Environment and Transport and Labour Councillor for Bunhill ward, said:

“We’re working hard to encourage walking and cycling in Islington, and to change streets so they work better for pedestrians and cyclists.

“This parklet offers a little oasis in the city – some shrubs and a tree to make the street more pleasant and greener – and somewhere where people can sit for a moment, or park their bike whilst resting.”

Four more parklets are set to open this summer in Banner Street and Baldwin Street in Bunhill and Bickerton Road and Waterlow Road in Junction, all of which will help to encourage walking and cycling instead of driving, and help to improve air quality across our borough.

Read more about Islington’s innovative work to improve air quality across the borough here.