NEWS RELEASE
From the office of the Green MEPs


September 21st, 2004

LONDONERS PREPARE TO ABANDON CARS FOR A DAY
'BUT ONE DAY NOT ENOUGH', SAYS EURO-MP

DRIVERS across the capital are preparing to leave their cars at home and head to work by tube, bicycle or on foot as London hosts a series of events to mark International Car Free Day, which takes place tomorrow (Wednesday, September 22nd).

"It is great to see local initiatives taking place across the city to mark car free day," said London Euro-MP Jean Lambert. "But one car free day is not enough"

Mrs Lambert, Green Party MEP for the capital and a Walthamstow resident, made her comments at a Car Free Festival in Leyton on Saturday which was organised by Waltham Forest Borough Council as the borough's contribution to the initiative.

"Across Europe people are rediscovering their towns and cities, their neighbours and their heritage - and reducing congestion, pollution and accidents - thanks to the 'In Town Without My Car!' initiative," said Mrs Lambert.

"I am delighted to see the initiative is being widely supported here in London by individuals, schools, traders and community organisations."

"Tomorrow will bring a breath of fresh air for many Londoners, and I call on all drivers to consider alternative forms of transport not just on tomorrow but every day of the year," she added. ENDS

Notes to Editors

1. 'In Town Without My Car Day!' takes place across Europe on Wednesday, September 22

2. For a details and a history of European Car Free Day see www.22september.org

3. Mrs Lambert made her comments at Leyton's 'Car Free Festival' on Sunday.

For further details contact Ben Duncan on any number below or see http://www.lbwf.gov.uk/index/news/car-free-day-04.htm

For more information please contact Ben on 01273 671946, 07973 823358 or at press@greenmeps.org.uk