Car Free Day 2009 is today

September 22, 2009

More than 1,000 cities in 40 countries are today taking part in World Carfree Day 2009, an event first organised in Britain by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA).

World Car Free Day, or ‘In town without my car day’ as it is referred to in Britain, takes place every year on 22nd September as an international celebration of environmentally-sensitive transport. Today will see motorists in over nineteen British towns and cities leaving their cars at home in favour of bicycles, trains and buses.

A spokesperson for the ETA said: “The number of cars and urban traffic is constantly increasing, and the associated noise, air pollution and stress is eroding the quality of life of urban dwellers. Car Free Day focuses on highlighting alternatives to car travel, the rights of pedestrians and cyclists, and the need for more and better public transport.”

“We do not want to put cars on trial or to condemn the desire for mobility – the idea is to reconsider urban transport with the prospect of sharing streets more efficiently.”

Car Free Day 2009 – find your local event in Britain

LocationEvent date / timeEvent detailsMore info / contact details
Bath and North East Somerset22nd September 2009Encouraging people to use sustainable forms of transportClick for more info. Contact 01225 394041
Blackpool22nd September 2009Click for more info. Contact 01253 476260
Brighton & Hove20th September 12 to 5pmThe Lanes, New Road, Jubilee Street and Jubilee Square will be made into pedestrian friendly areas with live music, performances and activities. People are encouraged to walk, cycle or get the bus to the eventClick for more info. Contact 01273 290000
Camden, London11th September 11am to 3pmGreat Queen Street will be closed to motor traffic between Wild Street and Newton StreetClick for more info. Contact 020 7974 2520
ChichesterSeptember 2009Encouraging people to walk or use public transport instead of their carClick for more info. Contact airquality@chichester.gov.uk
Coventry22nd September 2009Encouraging people to use sustainable transport where possibleClick for more info. Contact joanne.rainbow@coventry.gov.uk
Devon22nd September 2009Encouraging people to use more environmentally friendly methods of travel instead of their car. Organisations which help employees to take part will be entered into a prize draw worth £1000 to be spent on green travel initiatives for employees such as bicycle storageClick for more info. Contact 01392 382089
Dunbar22nd September 2009Click for more info
Eastbourne22nd September 2009Click for more info. Contact 0800 980 0901
GreenwichExploring car free travel optionsClick for more info. Contact 020 8854 8888
Harrogate22nd September 2009Free early breakfast for bus commuters, education car in schools and bike ride through town at 5pmClick for more info. Contact harrogatecarfreeday@hotmail.com
Kidderminster19th September 2009Road closure all day on the 19th of September on Worcester Street up to Bromsgrove Street and New Road junctionClick for more info. Contact 01562 732572
Leytonstone20th September 2009 1pm – 7pmLeytonstone Town Centre will be closed to traffic with live music and entertainmentClick for more info. Contact wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk
Monmouth19th & 20th September 2009buses will be free, there will be electric bicycles for people to try, a parade of harness horses and a pedestrian/cycle rallytbc
Stockport22nd September 2009Stockport will hold an event to celebrate the dayClick for more info. Contact sustainable.travel@stockport.gov.uk
Stoke22nd September 2009Unlimited bus travel for £1Click for more info. Contact carfreeday@stoke.gov.uk
Westminster, London22nd September 2009Public exhibitions on wayfinding for pedestrians and cyclists. Road closure (road to be confirmed).Click for more info. Contact 020 76412016
Wigan17-23 September 2009Road show to encourage people not to use their car on car free day and to use alternative transport such as public transportClick for more info. Contact 01942 244991
Woking22nd September 2009Cycling events in schools and new cycle shelters will be opened in the town centre and schoolsClick for more info. Contact 01483 519147
York22nd September 2009Encouraging people to use more sustainable transport for the day instead of your car. You can apply for a free day ticket for all local First buses in YorkClick for more info. Contact yorkcarfree@york.gov.uk


  • Find out about the ETA’s pivotal role in spreading this concept throughout Britain The origins of Car Free Day
  • For background information, the plans throughout Britain and advice for both current and future participants In Town Without My Car homepage


  • Any questions? contact us.

What is the ETA?

The ETA is an ethical organisation providing motorists and cyclists with carbon-neutral breakdown cover and insurance products – including a specialised service for electric vehicles.

Information correct at time of publication.

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