Southwark Council is first to bring new smart tech south of the river

15 August 2018

Southwark Council is launching its second batch of newly upgraded Strawberry smart benches; they will be joining the ten already in place across the borough, extending the offer of free WIFI, phone charging points and a wealth of monitors that provide real time air and noise pollution data, in addition to creating the opportunity for people to have a sit down.

Cllr Peter John, Leader of Southwark Council, joined Milos Milisavljevic, Founder and CEO of Strawberry energy, to celebrate the arrival of the benches on 14 August.

The council plans to install 29 smart benches, as part of Strawberry’s London wide scheme. Islington Council trialed the benches and has two of a planned total of 25 and Lewisham are next in line to welcome them, with an order of 25 benches.

The smart benches have four built in charging cables, four USB ports and two wireless charging pads. In addition to charging, the smart benches provide free WiFi and monitor the surrounding environment with built in air quality sensors. Real time data is easily accessible using a mobile app, this helps people make low-pollution travel plans and track their daily exposure.

The smart benches are being installed free of charge to inner London councils, through London-wide sponsorship partnerships, similar to cycle hire schemes.

Strawberry has recently responded to feedback and come up with a new design that takes up less space on the pavement, has more advanced monitoring technology and an option to tailor what is being monitored.

Smart benches collect and store solar power, even when the exposure to direct sunlight is limited. In this way users are able to charge their mobile devices and connect to WiFi at night and in adverse weather conditions.

Cllr Peter John said: “I welcome the arrival of these new Strawberry smart benches, they will help us to offer people in Southwark modern technology that responds to contemporary needs.

“Whenever I pass the ten that are already installed, they are busy with people resting, charging their phones and using the free WIFI. Additionally, council officers have been collecting air quality data from the benches; this will help us to build a picture of the problem and show us the way forward, here in Southwark.”

Milos Milisavljevic said: “Our commitment to healthier streets adapted to modern citizens’ needs continues with this new launch of Smart Benches. We designed the benches with today’s Londoner in mind - providing free, solar powered phone charging, WiFi and air quality monitoring in a single, sleek piece of street furniture. We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Southwark Council to extend the network of Smart Benches in the borough and hope the addition of new sensors will help the council and local residents have a better picture of air quality down to a street level.”

Page last updated: 15 August 2018

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Southwark Council is first to bring new smart tech south of the river

15 August 2018

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