What you can do
Which #OneThing will you choose?
- Leave the car at home
- Take public transport
- Get on your bike
- Walk
- Use OurBike
- Choose Click and Collect for home deliveries
- Car clubs and car sharing
- Vehicle replacement: consider low emission
- Use less gas and electricity
- Find out about air quality of your home and school
Leave the car at home
In London, for distances less than a mile it’s quicker to walk and for distances less than 5 miles, it is quicker to cycle, both of which will keep you healthier longer.
If you do take your car turn your engine off when stationary or parked, if it doesn’t have stop-start function.
Take public transport
London has excellent public transport to help you get around. Citymapper and the TfL journey planner will help to plan your route by bus, train, ferry, tram or bike.
Car clubs and car sharing
A car club offers you the convenience of being able to use a clean, modern and reliable vehicle for those trips you cannot do by using public transport, cycling or walking. Clubs are available across the borough and they have vans as well as cars. Have you thought about car sharing? Here are a few sites to find out more:
Get on your bike
Cycling in London is safe if you take the proper precautions. It's a great way to save money on transport costs, explore the capital and get some exercise at the same time. You can gain the skills and confidence you need to ride safely using Southwark’s free cycle training courses. The courses are open to anyone who lives, works or studies in Southwark. You can learn comfortably in a group session or in a one to one lesson. Book your training by calling 020 3031 6730 or visit cycle confident.
There are many cycle paths and routes to help you get around.
Walk
Walking is a great way to get around. It's quick and reliable and good for your health. You can plan walking routes using Walkit or Transport for London.
Use OurBike
Have you heard of OurBike?
OurBike is an e-cargo hire scheme, available to any resident or business based in Southwark for as little as £3 per hour. Each e-cargo bike has seating for two children or one adult inside with lots of space for everything from your pet dog to a lawn mower. Businesses may also want to hire one out for local deliveries.
There are currently two locations in the borough where you can hire an e-cargo bike, outside Karavan Eco and Rye Books, both in Dulwich. There's also training available for anyone that hasn’t used a cargo bike before.
"It was great fun learning how to use the OurBike. It didn’t take long to get the knack. There are lots of journeys that I won’t need a car for now. Thanks OurBike for the great introduction and tips".
Tracey, East Dulwich
If you want to know more about OurBike or have a business in Southwark that is interested in sponsoring an e-cargo bike, go to OurBike.co.uk for more details.
You can also download the OurBike App from either the App Store if you have an Apple phone or the Play Store for phones that use Android.
Vehicle replacement: consider low emission
Diesel engines create the most air pollution and are not suitable to urban areas like Southwark.
When replacing your car consider an ultra-low emission vehicle such as hybrid, gas or electric-cell.
The Mayor of London has extended the Ultra-Low Emission Zone on the 25 October 2021. The ULEZ operates 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (except Christmas Day). The extended zone now covers all areas within the North and South Circular Roads. The North Circular (A406) and South Circular (A205) roads are not in the zone. The ULEZ standards are in addition to the Congestion Charge and the Low Emission Zone requirements. The Mayor of London has developed a tool to check whether your vehicle meets the ULEZ standards. Any vehicle that meets the ULEZ standard will be able to travel in the zone without paying the ULEZ charge. You can access the tool by clicking on the vehicle checker.
The London Mayor is expanding the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ), across all London boroughs from 29 August 2023, to help clear London's air and improve public health.
Use less gas and electricity
Are you aware of all the steps you can take to stop wasting gas and electricity and thus save significant money on your energy bills. Find out more from the See link below for further information from the Energy Saving Trust.
Choose Click and Collect for home deliveries
Instead of having your online shopping sent to your work address which adds to traffic congestion and air pollution. Consider using a click and collect service, which will reduce the number of vans on our streets.
Download the Air Quality Campaign #onething poster pack (PDF, 1.5mb)
Page last updated: 05 September 2024
