22 September, World Car Free Day “Time for a change of scene"

On 22 September, motorists in over nineteen British towns and cities will leave their cars at home in favour of bicycles, trains and buses for Car Free Day

The event is now global but was first organised in Britain by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

World Car Free Day, or ‘In town without my car day’ as it is referred to in Britain, takes place every year on 22 September as an international celebration of environmentally-sensitive transport.

The same event last year involved almost 2,000 towns and cities in 38 countries around the world.

A spokesperson for the Environmental Transport Association (ETA) said: “The number of cars and urban traffic is constantly increasing, and the associated noise, air pollution and stress is eroding the quality of life of urban dwellers. Car Free Day focuses on highlighting alternatives to car travel, the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, and the need for more and better public transport.”

“We do not want to put cars on trial or to condemn the desire for mobility – the idea is to reconsider urban transport with the prospect of sharing streets more efficiently.”