Government encourages people to go car free for a day

The New Zealand Government’s Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority is pushing Kiwis to participate in the World Car Free Day next week by ditching their rides in favour of low-carbon transport alternatives.

The day aims to encourage businesses and individuals across New Zealand to sign up to the government’s Gen Less platform to go car-free for the day.

Apparently more than 100 businesses have already done so including the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Wellington City Council. 

It is also mentioned that cities across the world are planning to close down streets or even entire districts to cars on the World Car Free day.

According to the Gen Less website, World Car Free Day is a movement that began in 2000 and it supposedly brings communities together to consider new ways of getting from A to B.

Any approach in reducing New Zealand’s 20 per cent of transport emissions is to be welcomed, though one day not taking the car might not have any lasting effect. However, if it gets people thinking about the issue it might stimulate more use of zero-emissions solutions, while also benefiting overall health status.

World Car Free Day will take place on Thursday, 22 September so if you’re not participating be wary of more e-bikes and kick scooters on the day.