Celebrate car free day where you live

Norfolk County Council is inviting residents to participate in Car-Free Day, an annual event that promotes sustainable transportation for everyday journeys.

Car-Free Day encourages residents to leave their cars behind and explore alternative transportation methods, such as cycling, walking, or utilising public transport. By choosing these options, residents can actively contribute to reducing carbon emissions and support a cleaner, greener future.

To help support the day Norfolk County Council is offering residents who want to transform their road into a Play Street or party on Car Free Day free road closures. With no through-traffic for the day, children can play outside while the adults can enjoy a neighbourhood celebration. Any street can apply to take part, providing it isn't a main road, bus route or emergency vehicle route.

Councillor Graham Plant, Norfolk County Council's cabinet member for highways and infrastructure said: "We support car-free day every year and I would encourage as many communities as possible to get involved this year. By organising a 'play street' or celebration we can promote sustainable transportation alternatives while fostering a strong sense of community by getting together with our friends and neighbours. Walking and cycling not only have numerous health benefits, but they also contribute to improving the air quality we all breathe. I hope this event inspires people to think about how they travel, and where possible, particularly for those shorter journeys, think about leaving the car at home."

Road closures for the day will be free of charge, deadline for applications for temporary street closures for Car-Free Day is Sunday 27 August and Norfolk Car Free Day is taking place on Sunday 24 September.

For those looking to change the way they travel, Norfolk County Council has launched a new website and journey planner making it easy for people to get around the county whether that's on foot, by bike or on public transport.

Matt White, founder of Car-Free Norwich said: "Our streets used to be active social spaces, where neighbours would spend time, play games and get to know each other. The huge growth in car ownership over the past 30 years has sadly turned them primarily into places to store vehicles. Holding a street party or a play street for Car Free Day allows residents to experience what previous generations took for granted - restoring a sense of place and community, while also providing cleaner air. We would love to see more streets taking part this year so that more Norwich residents can experience these benefits."

Learn more about Car-Free Day and how to apply for temporary street closures.