Norfolk residents encouraged to ditch their cars for the day
Car-free day is being supported in Norfolk this year.
Residents in Norfolk are being encouraged to ditch their car for a day and opt for more sustainable transport instead.
The County Council is backing the global initiative, Car-Free Day, on September 19th this year.
As well as encouraging residents to opt for more sustainable transport that day, they're also waiving fees for temporary road closures, to try and encourage communities to make the most of the quiet roads.
One idea from the authority for making the most of the closure is to use the time for 'Street Play', a project started in Bristol which is designed to give children the freedom to play directly outside their own front door.
Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure said: "Lockdown has already given us a flavour what our streets can feel like with less traffic and that is exactly what Car-Free Day is about. Play Street sessions can take place any time of year, but that they are particularly being encouraged to mark this occasion.
"This aligns with our shared aims to reduce air pollution and congestion on our roads, promote sustainable transport and encourage our communities to live active and healthy lives."
Matt White, founder of Car-Free Norwich added: "Now in its second year of being a Countywide initiative, with less restrictions now in place we hope that lots more neighbourhoods across the county will take the opportunity to hold a street event or play session on the day, to rekindle some of the amazing community spirit seen during lockdown".
The deadline for applications for temporary street closures for Car-Free Day is the 20th August.