A total of 14 roads will be closed across Merton this Sunday as the borough celebrates Car Free Day.

The huge Play Street event was announced in July as the council encouraged people to fill out their applications.

Now with the day nearly upon us, Merton's cabinet member for adult social care, health and the environment, Tobin Byers, is looking forward to being "liberated from the dominance of vehicles."

"Car Free Day is such a wonderful initiative which the council is proud to support, which is why we waived the fees for the temporary closures of roads on September 22," he said.

"The council is backing Car Free Day and inviting all residents to play their part by giving their car the day off so everyone can enjoy the borough’s attractions, streets and public spaces in cleaner air.

"We are supporting the international day as part of the council’s ongoing commitment to make the borough a cleaner, greener place, and encourage more active lifestyles."

Just two weeks before the council announced it would be taking part in the event, a climate emergency was declared.

Cllr Byers reminded people that hosting a Play Street can be more than just a once-a-year thing.

"World Car Free Day highlights the dangers of toxic air from vehicles and encourages everyone to ditch the car and enjoy walking, cycling or public transport to get around instead," he added.

"However we would like to flag up that Play Streets events can be organised at any time in the year and we would encourage groups of neighbours interested in joining in the fun to visit our website for help to make their applications.

"Car Free Day can be used as a trial for future Play Street events in your neighbourhood.”