In town, without my car!

In town, without my car! (ITWMC) is an EU campaign and day every autumn (Northern Hemisphere) for an increased use of other vehicles than the car. It has since spread beyond the EU, and in 2004 more than 40 countries participated [http://www.dft.gov.uk/stellent/groups/dft_susttravel/documents/page/dft_susttravel_503985.hcsp] .

The main idea behind this campaign is to encourage the use of alternative forms of transport and travel and to raise awareness within the community of what is at stake with regards to long term mobility in towns and the risks connected with pollution. The campaign is co-ordinated by the European Commission DG Environment. As such, it aims to contribute to improving the health and quality of life of European citizens. 203 million participated in the 2006 campaign.

The car is far more than just a means of getting about, it is a status symbol and the use of the car is deeply ingrained in many cultures. Reversing this will take time and it will require a sustained information and awareness campaign to open people’s hearts and minds to the possibility of change. [ [http://www.itwc.ngo.gi/pdfs/ITWC%20Campaign%20Document.pdf Campaign document] ]

References

See also

* Car Free Days

External links

* [http://www.22september.org/ The "In town, without my car!" campaign]
* [http://www.mobilityweek.eu/ European Mobility Week]
* [http://www.itwc.ngo.gi/ Gibraltar ITWC campaign site]