Norfolk to celebrate Car-Free Day

Norfolk County Council is encouraging residents to give up their cars for the day this September in support of a global initiative to reduce carbon emissions.

Car-Free Day is celebrated across the world and encourages motorists to give up their cars for a day in favour of more sustainable forms of transport.

Norfolk Car-Free Day will be held on Sunday 25 September and the council will once again be waiving fees for residents wishing to apply for a temporary street closure in their local community.

One idea for making the most of the closure is to use the time for 'Play Streets' - these temporary road closures to through traffic, to create space for children to play safely where they live, and for neighbours to get to know each other. These can be applied for all year round - but Car-Free day is the perfect time to give it a try.

Councillor Martin Wilby, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure said: "As life returns to normal and this being our first summer without restrictions, we hope that this year's Car-Free Day will be the best one yet with more people signing up to close their streets for the day to get together and spend time with neighbours. This day helps us in our aims of reducing air pollution and congestion on our roads and helps us to promote sustainable transport and encourage our communities to live active and healthy lives."

Matt White, founder of Car-Free Norwich said: "With the effects of the climate crisis becoming increasingly apparent, we urgently need to see a reduction in car use. Car-Free Day is a great opportunity for people to reconsider how they travel - and street parties and play street sessions can help to reanimate our neighbourhoods as places for people, community, and recreation."

For further guidance on conditions and how to apply for a temporary street closure visit Norfolk Car-Free Day.

For more information about PlayStreets visit the website.

The deadline for applications is Friday 19 August.

For details of cabinet members, committee chairs and agendas, please see: www.norfolk.gov.uk/cabinetandchairs

Group leaders' and councillors' contact details are available at: www.norfolk.gov.uk/countycouncillors