Car-Free Day events took place on Sunday in Ghajnsielem, Victoria and Marsalforn, with activities ranging from street football, a photo treasure hunt with bicycles, water games, entertainment, a trackless train, children’s funfair and an attempt at the longest washing line, to name just a few.

Everyone involved, organisers, participants and those who just went to watch and join in the fun, all said that it was a very succesful day.

The Malta Environment and Planning Authority and the Tourism and Sustainable Development Unit within the Office of the Prime Minister which together form part of an inter-ministerial committee consisting of the representatives of key Government ministries and authorities, joined forces to organise nation-wide activities that were aimed to raise awareness on the benefits of reducing traffic on Malta’s roads.

The events were held following a competitive call which was open to all Local Councils and Non-Governmentatl Organisations to submit proposals for events to be organsed on the day. In Gozo, proposals submitted by the Ghajnsielem Local Council and The Don Bosco Oratory were selected.

The campaign aimed to:

• promote the use of public transport as a convenient and as a viable alternative to private cars;

• instil an awareness of the negative effects of excessive dependence on car transportation;

• encourage a shift in public attitude towards alternative, more environmentally -conscious forms of mobility and

• show that a reduction in cars traffic can bring tangible benefits in terms of air quality and a reduction in noise pollution and congestion.

Photographs – Alain Salvary.

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