Three years ago, East Park was closed to traffic. Gradually, people moved into the space vacated by vehicles. Friends walked, children learned to ride bikes, and toddlers took tentative first steps. But now, plans are in motion to scrap progress made and allow full road traffic access into our park. 

From early next year, this safe haven for children (and adults!) will be packed with idling engines, tainted by exhaust fumes and it will also become more dangerous. Together, we can stop this from happening. 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), air pollution causes seven million premature deaths worldwide each year due to stroke, heart disease, lung cancer and chronic respiratory diseases (source: WHO). By allowing cars back into East Park we risk contributing to these statistics. We are certainly doing nothing useful for the health of our citizens.

We urge Hull City Council to consider the physical health implications and also the mental wellbeing benefits that a car-free park provides for Hull’s citizens. An oasis of calm like this is invaluable to everyone, whether they are local to the area or coming from other parts of the city. 

Let's enhance the existing and well-functioning car park to preserve East Park as a car-free zone. Let's also enhance public transport links to the park in the summer and encourage people to travel by bus, instead of by car. 

Let's keep East Park car-free for park users today and for the benefit of future generations. Sign this petition if you believe in keeping East Park safe from traffic pollution and you want children to have one place where they are 100% safe.