Europe’s cities to go car-free for a day

An annual car-free cities day, started last year by French Environment Minister Dominique Voynet, has caught on in other countries and attracted European funding to spread the initiative across the continent.


On 22 September this year, 66 French towns will reserve sections of their town centres for pedestrians, cleaner vehicles (e.g. gas, electric or pedal powered). Italy has also taken up the challenge this year.

According to the Italian Environment Ministry, citizens from some 94 Italian towns will leave their cars at home on 22 September.
Many towns will be establishing car-free zones, and trying out alternative forms of transport. The town of Calais will also be asking visitors from the UK to leave their cars behind.

For the year 2000, Voynet has secured funding from the EU LIFE programme to spread the day all across Europe.

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