London is partnering with other cities across Europe in a €25m project which seeks to show how the use of technology can enhance the lives of residents.
The Mayor of London, Boris Johnson, in collaboration with the Royal Borough of Greenwhich, has been selected to participate in the Smart Cities and Communities Lighthouse programme which sets out to solve the issues faced by people across major cities as these continue to develop and increase in size.
Borish Johnson MP, the Mayor of London, said in a statement: “London is growing at a record rate and to support the city’s future growth, we need to harness our incredible technical prowess and look to what new approaches and technological innovation can bring.
“By leading this ground-breaking international project we will be able to share ideas with our European counterparts as we work to create a city that is fit for the future and an even greater place to live, work and visit,” he continued.
Greenwich will be used as a testing ground, with initiatives including trialling 300 smart parking bays in an attempt to optimise parking spaces for drivers.
Shared electric bikes will also be tested to determine whether shifting away from private cars is a real possibility. Electric vehicles will also be piloted for local deliveries and car sharing.
Denise Hyland, leader of the Royal Borough of Greenwich, said: “I am delighted that The Royal Borough of Greenwich has been selected to be the demonstrator area for smart cities and communities as part of this important Horizon 2020 European Programme.”
Similar projects will be tested in Milan, Lisbon, Warsaw, Bordeaux and Burgas with the potential of eventually being rolled-out across Europe.