European cities ban cars for day

Major European cities have been marking World Car-Free Day. City centres were closed off to encourage people to leave their cars at home. Pedestrians, cyclists and public transport had priority.

The only cars were environmentally friendly electric models. Sitting in one, Amsterdam’s mayor said: “Let’s show that we can do this in Amsterdam, in the Netherlands and in the West.”

It is all part of the European Union’s ‘Mobility Week’ campaign to promote measures against climate change.

In the French capital, Paris, they handed out publicity for the EU’s website explaining anti-global warming actions.

In Brussels, thousands took to the streets for group cycle rides, highlighting sustainable urban travel and trying to encourage people to change their travel habits.

More than 1,000 cities in 40 countries took part in car free day.

Copyright © 2010 euronews