Because to environmental practises now in place, Britons predict London will become the world’s first car-free city by 2050.
To commemorate World Car Free Day, fresh research has revealed that the United Kingdom will be the world’s first metropolis without vehicles, beating out China, the Netherlands, and Japan.
London already has a variety of environmental policies in place, like the Ultra Low Emission Zone and the Congestion Charge.
These policies aim to minimise pollution in the capital by charging motorists more if their car is older or more polluting.
The Ulez was recently expanded to encompass Greater London and significantly reduce emissions, with Mayor Sadiq Khan a strong supporter of the programme, despite fierce opposition from motorists and lawmakers.
Many perceive it as an infringement on drivers’ rights, with the government placing severe limits on which cars motorists can and cannot use in their local region.
Environmental ideas such as Low Traffic Neighbourhoods and 15-minute cities have been met with great opposition, with some drivers fearing for their freedom of mobility.
This also comes after Prime Minister Rishi Sunak amended a number of net zero policies, most notably moving the ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles from 2030 to 2035.
According to the new research, London’s streets will become more pedestrianised, with a focus on buses and the Underground network as trees dominate the skyline.
Drivers anticipate that London will lead the charge towards car-free cities, followed by Amsterdam, Tokyo, Copenhagen, and Beijing.
More than half of Britons believe bikes and e-bikes are the most likely possibilities to replace vehicles, while 23% believe scooters will see a significant increase in popularity.