Shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has announced the first UK mobility hub to meet its standards for accreditation has launched in London.
The site in South Woodford, Redbridge, reclaimed an on-street car parking space, with a design aimed at connecting the area and helping the environment.
In the South Woodford hub there is an electric car club bay, a community-led café, and an outdoor seating area with bar stools and coffee tables, trees and plants, designed by Meristem Design.
It includes a fast EV charger from EB Charging and space for car club Ubeeqo, with two Renault ZOE electric cars available from the new mobility hub. The hub also provides wider transport connections through the local Underground station and bus stops a few metres away.
Jo Blackman, London Borough of Redbridge cabinet member for environment and civic pride, said: “We’re delighted that our mobility hub in South Woodford is the first to receive accreditation in the UK from CoMoUK.
“We’re keen to promote active travel in Redbridge, as well as supporting the transition from diesel/petrol to electric vehicles, and providing more street space for residents and local businesses.
“Our mobility hub provides a perfect way to combine these aims and we’re hoping to deliver more across the borough in the coming months.”
Plans are underway for more hubs across the UK, brought forward by a range of organisations, including local authorities, community groups, housing developers and train operating companies.
The Scottish government has also identified them as a strategic transport priority for the future.
Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: “As we recover from the pandemic, we must ensure we build in the sustainable transport options we need in a way that makes them easy and attractive for people to use, building in alternatives to car ownership.
“Mobility hubs are increasingly popular worldwide and it’s time for the UK to embrace this idea to improve air quality, decarbonise the transport sector, support more active travel, and revitalise town centres for local communities.”
