16 September 2005 - South-East England’s Green Party MEP Caroline Lucas has urged drivers to leave their cars at home and get on their bikes to mark European Mobility Week.

Between the 16th and 22nd September towns and cities across Europe will be celebrating European Mobility Week with a series of events dedicated to sustainable transport. With the central theme of the week being ‘clever commuting’, the International Car Free Day Campaign asks residents to find alternative transport to get to work or school. Cycling, walking, car-pooling and public transport are just a few of the options being promoted.

In the South-east, participating towns and cities include Crawley, Winchester, Oxford and Southampton. Oxford is to close a section of city centre road for a cycle rally on International Car Free day itself, September 22nd. Winchester is to host its 9th ‘Alternative Transport Day’, Crawley sees the launch of a new bus route – and a publicity campaign aimed at persuading local workers to adopt ‘clever commuting’ techniques – and Southampton is to permanently close roads in the Bargate area and host a major sustainable transport conference.

Green Party Euro-MP Caroline Lucas said: “In order to reduce traffic congestion, save money and cut the greenhouse gas emissions which are fuelling climate change, it is vital that we leave our cars behind and find alternative transport.”

“I welcome the excellent initiatives taking place across the region. I hope they persuade many thousands of motorists to leave their cars at home and explore alternative ways of getting around.

“But before we can hope to persuade significant numbers of motorists to give up their cars for good we must provide a viable alternative – an integrated, affordable, public transport network. One car free day a year is not enough – local authorities and Government must be committed to sustainable transport every day of the year.”

ENDS