Why going car free can boost property prices: The Secret Agent Report

One of the problems with cars is the pollution they cause.

This not only impacts the world through greenhouse gas emissions but also has an impact on the health of residents living in areas with poor air quality, according to the latest Secret Agent report.

One of the main obvious benefits of restricted car use in our cities is less congestion.

Taking cars and street parking away means that there is more room for public amenity.

This includes wider footpaths as well as more room for plants and green space. This can also lead to beneficial health effects.

If more people are out and about walking and spending time in green spaces, rather than in their car, home or office, there are more opportunities for social interaction.

This is important because social isolation is a risk factor for physical and mental illness.

Another benefit noted by the report was that: "With less cars in the area it can be expected that there will be fewer fatalities caused by traffic accidents."

In terms of property value, more green space, safer streets and less traffic are also positive features.

Improved public realm and amenity can increase the desirability of a particular area.

This combined with population growth, will increase demand and property prices will likely go up, according to the report.