Green parties look into additional car-free day

Belgium’s green parties – Ecolo and Groen – have officially launched a research project into the possibility of staging a second car-free day in Brussels. The annual car-free day that already takes place every third Sunday of September is extremely popular.

The two parties would like to see an additional car-free day take place on a weekday. This way, they say, residents can clearly see what public transport has to offer them. Car-free day also has a measurable positive impact on air quality.

“Car-Free Sunday was originally meant to encourage people to choose an alternative to their cars,” says Annemie Maes of Groen. “But it has become a big social event with barbecues and concerts. That’s great, but a car-free weekday would take us back to the roots of the event.”

The parties have submitted a request for the impact and cost of a second event to the police, Stib and Brussels Mobility. Mobility minister Pascal Smet’s office supports the idea of an investigation into the options.

Photo: Philippe Francois/BELGA