In the late 1920's, a young journalist, Tom Foley, became aware of the issue of road safety and contacted Viscount Cecil of Chelwood who was also increasingly concerned about the subject.

[citation needed] Viscount Cecil of Chelwood, who was president from 1929 until 1944, was a high profile peer and had established the League of Nations.

During the 1930s its campaigns helped to persuade the British Government to introduce the driving test, to reinstate a speed limit for motorcars, and provide pedestrian crossings.

A speed limit of 30 mph in urban areas and for driving tests was within the Road Traffic Act 1934, passed under Leslie Hore-Belisha, the-then Minister of Transport.

Other high profile campaigns the charity has played an integral part in, include a recent appeal to all London Mayoral candidates (2015) to pedestrianise Oxford Street.

Living Streets has also made headway, along with the Guide Dogs, on giving power to local authorities to limit pavement parking only to roads which need it.

The charity’s work in Scotland has provoked further development, with commitment for cutting pavement parking by the current government.