What was that you said? Boris calls for quieter spaces in the capital

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12 April 2012

Boris Johnson today called for more "tranquil spaces" to provide an escape from the noise of the city.

The Mayor wants local councils to identify existing quiet areas and establish new "oases" to help ­commuters relax.

He also set out plans to reduce noise by introducing more hybrid buses and smoother road surfaces.

Speaking at the Tranquil Spaces ­conference at London Zoo, Mr Johnson said: "The importance of these oases of calm cannot be underestimated in making our quality of life better.

"It is right that we explore ways to create, protect and enhance tranquil spots taking account of the needs of ordinary Londoners."

He added he was "working to reduce unnecessary noise" through the introduction of hybrid buses and said that electric cars would play a significant part in reducing traffic noise in the future.

"We are also boosting tranquillity through additional street trees, park makeovers and the creation and ­protection of green spaces," Mr  Johnson said.

"Particularly the new Olympic Park, where wetlands will create a haven of tranquillity."

He said noise can have a detrimental effect on people's quality of life, health and wellbeing.

It follows a study by Westminster Council which found people can feel peaceful in busy crowds and traffic if "calming" measures such as trees and wildlife are introduced.

Councils are being called upon to take action based on the findings. This could include measures such as resurfacing roads near parks with ­quieter surfaces or installing water fountains and planting more trees.

Speaking about intended measures, Mr Johnson said he was revamping 11 parks and pointed to the public cycle hire scheme, the planting of 10,000 street trees, the introduction of 2,012 new food growing spaces by 2012, as well as opposing a third runway at Heathrow airport.

Boris Johnson, Mayor of London: "My top tranquil spot is Highbury Fields. This is a gem of a place, a real wonder of Islington. I fondly recall going there after the birth of my first child to take in its contemplative beauty. I also choose the Fields to jog and blow away the cobwebs ahead of a hard day's toil."

Bill Bryson, author and president of Campaign to Protect Rural England: "London has some wonderful green spaces and it's vital for mind and body refreshment that we keep and enhance our tranquil places. Green Park is 40 acres of blissful refuge that I use for thinking, walking and reading. And if I stand in the middle of the park, my mobile phone has no signal, which is just about perfect."

Rosie Boycott, Chairwoman of London Food, author and journalist: "My haven, the place I find truly tranquil at the heart of London, is the Serpentine. There is a lovely little spot, opposite where the Henry Moore statues used to be, where I can sit by the water, people-watch and see the ducks swim past. It is an incredibly soothing place to sit and watch the world go by, particularly in the autumn, when you can see the reflections of the trees in the water."

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