New interactive map of the UK to allow people to plot their perfect parklet
The importance of local, accessible green spaces has been a key learning from the pandemic. As we emerge from lockdown, climate charity Possible is calling for a permanent transformation of urban space, prioritising people rather than vehicles. To encourage this change, they’ve released a new, easy-to-use interactive map so local communities across Britain can pinpoint ideal locations for fixtures such as parklets (mini-parks in former parking spaces) which could reclaim public space from cars and improve access to green space.
Covering much of Britain, the different layers of the map allow users to see areas - like their own neighbourhoods - filtered via the location of public green space, levels of access to public and private green spaces, areas of deprivation, and local car ownership. The map allows you to jump instantly to Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, and London - but you can also zoom to your own location.
Parklets are an established method of reclaiming public space for the use of local communities. And they are already enjoying some success across the country. Usually installed on roads, parklets occupy between one and three parking spaces and are, ideally, inclusive and accessible to all. They are proven to be ideal locations to provide greenery in areas where residents have poor access to parks and green spaces, to provide spaces to sit, rest and socialise, and to provide bicycle or e-scooter parking.
With transport being the most significant contributor to the UK’s carbon emissions, finding inventive ways to reduce the number of vehicles being used in cities and giving space back to people and nature will be vital in achieving net zero, addressing climate change and making cities more liveable.
In their most recent report the Climate Change Committee made recommendations outlining the necessity to implement measures that make it less attractive to drive. The installation of parklets, along with implementing initiatives such as clean air zones and low traffic neighbourhoods, should have this effect. In turn, this should encourage people to adopt alternative methods of travel that will need to become increasingly prevalent as the UK transitions into a low-carbon future.
Hannah Kettle, Car Free Leeds campaigner at climate charity Possible, said:
“Parklets are vital interventions in returning space in cities to the people who live in them and, with this new mapping tool, communities in cities across Britain will be able to evaluate the space around them and find the perfect place for a parklet. Parklets are an opportunity for local people to build something reflective of their community needs. More parklets mean more green space, boosted biodiversity, and more opportunities to sit, play, socialise, or rest and relax. Once people know what parklets can do, they’re sure to spring up around the country.”
Hirra Khan Adeogun, Head of Car Free Cities at climate charity Possible, said:
“The Covid-19 lockdowns, and the closure of parks and urban green spaces, highlighted how access to outdoor space is a luxury denied to many people, particularly those from low income households living in tower blocks. With transport responsible for 27% of carbon emissions in the UK, reducing both car use and the space cars occupy will be vital in addressing climate change: we need to start reorienting our cities to prioritise people rather than vehicles. Parklets are a great way for local communities around the UK to make decisions for themselves, to reclaim space and to transform it into something that serves people and the planet.”
Carolyn Axtell, Car Free London campaigner, said:
“Much of our public space is currently used for the storage of private vehicles. Combine this with the fact that many families are living without any access to local green or outdoor space and a lack of public seating, limiting those with reduced mobility, and a problem emerges in how equitable the access is to the space we all share. Parklets are a fantastic solution in redressing this problem. Now more than ever we need to create inviting spaces with seating, greenery and amenities to benefit all of our communities.”
ENDS
Notes to editors:
For media enquiries and further information on the map please contact press@wearepossible.org.
Hannah Kettle, Car Free Leeds campaigner, Sandra Green, Car Free Birmingham campaigner, Rob Bryher, Car Free Bristol campaigner, Carolyn Axtell, Car Free London campaigner and Hirra Khan Adeogun, Head of Car Free Cities at climate charity Possible, are all available for comment. Please contact press@wearepossible.org for more information.
Possible is a UK based charity that brings people together to take positive, practical action on climate change. Combining individual and local actions with larger systemic change, we connect people with each other, and communities with ways to address the climate crisis. wearepossible.org
Possible changed its name from 10:10 Climate Action on 10th October 2019.