New mobility hub unveiled in London

A new mobility hub meeting standards set by Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) has been unveiled in London today (June 17).

The site in South Woodford, Redbridge, reclaims an on-street car parking space with a design aimed at connecting the area.

CoMoUK and London Borough of Redbridge said that the ‘mini-hub’ is the first in the UK to meet the standards set by charity.

Councillor 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.”

CoMoUK and London Borough of Redbridge is also working in collaboration with EB Charging, Ubeeqo and Meristem Design.

The South Woodford hub (pictured) features an electric car club bay, an electric vehicle (EV) charger from EB charging and space for an electric car from car club Ubeeqo.

Two Renault Zoe electric cars from Ubeeqo, Europcar Mobility Group’s car sharing brand, will be available from the new mobility hub.

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.

“We are encouraged that local authorities and housing developers are actively considering mobility hubs.

“We’re delighted to formally accredit our first hub in Redbridge, and hope this sets a trend that will be adopted right across the UK.”

A mobility hub has also launched at Imperial College London.

Vehicle owners are willing to ditch their vehicles for mobility as a service (MaaS) over the next 10 years, according to R/GA's Future of Mobility report. 

CoMoUK said the hub concept brings together public transport with shared transport options, such as bike share schemes and car clubs, together with walking and cycling provision and urban realm improvement.