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The Guardian - UK
The Guardian - UK
Technology
Esther Addley

‘This is political expediency’: how the Tories turned on 15-minute cities

A protester in Oxford holding a sign reading: 'The 15-minute city. Were you ever asked?'
A protester in Oxford, where councillors have received death threats over proposals for 15-minute neighbourhoods. Photograph: Martin Pope/SOPA Images/REX/Shutterstock

Imagine a city in which you could walk or cycle to almost anywhere you needed to go in the time it takes to drink a cup of coffee. Shops, medical facilities and artistic sites would be spread throughout neighbourhoods. Remote and home working would be embraced.

Children could easily and safely cycle to school, breathing cleaner air. With less need for commuting, quieter streets could even be turned over to parks. Known as the “15-minute city” after the time it takes to get around, it’s a model that promises a return to local living – and a greener, healthier, more sustainable way of life.

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