Minsk to mark Car Free Day on 22 September

Minsk will join the annual international campaign Car Free Day on 22 September.

BelTA learnt it from the Minsk Committee of Natural Resources and Environment.

On the day the most conscious motorists choose another, more eco-friendly, way to travel and get to work, for example, in foot or on a bike. The event draws the public attention to the need to reduce air polluting by car exhausts.

According to the world statistics, a new car is rolled off the production line every minute and car accidents claim over 3,000 lives every day. Besides, motor transport is responsible for the main part of atmospheric contamination. With this, cars are ranked as the third most frequently advertised product after alcohol and tobacco. “Economic growth in Belarus has led to an expansion of the transport fleet and heavier traffic. Measures are needed to change the situation. Otherwise, in some 10-15 years the number of cars and their intensified use will lead to a sustainable increase in emissions release and deterioration of air quality in cities,” the committee said.

The main activities to reduce the impact of the transport on environment, according to specialists, include the production, sales and use of fuel with improved ecological patterns (with low sulfur content for instance). Another measure is to popularize the use of alternative motor-fuel and energy resources. One of the most important factors in reducing motor vehicle emissions is the availability of and access to maintenance stations with reliable diagnostic equipment and qualified personnel.

The experience of the European countries in fighting against the continuing growth of cars and, hence, emissions has showed that the issue cannot be addressed without involving the community. That is why almost every country in the world joins the annual Car Free Day. In order to encourage more people to take part in the event some countries offer the free of charge use of the public (on the presentation of a driving license or a car registration license).

Belarus has been joining Car Free Day since 2008.