Fees waived to help your road become a Play Street for a day

Families in Richmond upon Thames are again being invited to come out and play as part of Car Free Day this September.

We're encouraging people to host a Play Street in their road on either Saturday 19 or Sunday 20 September 2026, by closing their roads to through-traffic for up to four hours. These closures will mean that children will be able to play outside in their street and have fun with their friends, family and neighbours.

To spread the fun as far as possible, we are once again 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 4 September. 

Other ways to mark Car Free Day

Take the opportunity 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. 

Try Before You Bike

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. 

Borrow a cargo bike

If you need to carry things with you, such as your shopping or small children, why not try our electric cargo bike hire scheme provided by Our Bike? There are nine locations across the borough. View the map to see your nearest bike.

Come along to the Richmond Cargo Bike Fair

The 2026 Richmond Cargo Bike Fair is taking place on Sunday 20 September outside Richmond Station. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural fair, this year’s event will be one of five flagship hubs for the London Cycling Festival.

The free, family-friendly event will once again bring together residents, businesses and cycling enthusiasts to explore how cargo bikes can transform everyday journeys. The 2026 fair will expand on last year’s programme, offering even more opportunities to experience cargo bikes in action. 

More information

Find out more on how we're tackling air pollution in the borough by reading our Air Quality Action Plan.