Sutton leads £4m scheme to help residents live better, healthier lives

The projects could introduce schemes to improve local transport, environment, health and other areas, while also boosting local businesses’ sustainable economic growth. 

This is thanks to a £4m award to the boroughs – which form The South London Partnership (SLP) - to develop an Internet of Things (IoT)* wireless sensor network that will monitor and help address issues such as air quality, traffic, footfall and parking space availability.
 
The project will not only help people live better, healthier lives and live independently for longer, but it should also deliver significant cost savings to the boroughs.
 
Funds from the London Business Rates Pilot have been awarded to the Partnership, which comprises the councils of Croydon, Kingston, Merton, Richmond and Sutton – the lead borough - as part of the 2018-19 Business Rate Retention Strategic Investment Pot (SIP) which is administered by the City of London Corporation. 
 
Councillor Ruth Dombey, Leader of Sutton Council, said:

“This project is a great example of how we are being ambitious for Sutton. 

“We could use air quality and location data to show how people’s health is affected in certain areas, allowing us to make plans to reduce pollutants to create cleaner and healthier places and help businesses to thrive in more vibrant town centres. We could investigate smart street lighting systems that selectively dim or brighten the lights depending on weather, traffic flows, the time of day or upon requests from emergency services. Smart traffic lights could improve traffic flow, reducing emissions, saving fuel. Local restaurants could tailor their opening times based on where and when people visit certain locations. Drivers could detect the nearest available parking spot, saving time and fuel.

“These are just a few ideas that could help regenerate the borough. The benefits to residents and businesses could be huge, making Sutton an even greater place to live, work and raise a family.”
 
For more information, please visit: http://www.innovateproject.org