During the third week of September, many EU countries celebrated the European Mobility week. During this week, people are encouraged to be œin town without my car as the initiatives motto says. Since 2002 this event has been growing from strength to strength and this year, with no less then 2000 towns and cities across Europe organising various events and initiatives.

The European Mobility Award is one award Malta will definitely not be rewarded. This award is given to 10 towns and cities that come up with the most original event during this week. Unfortunately a few Car Free Day events had been organised in Malta during the first couple of years since this initiative started, but no events have been organised locally ever since.

Local and European citizens are very worried about pollution and urban mobility. In many of our polluted towns and cities, people complain of a poor quality of life. Exhaust fumes from old cars and busses, traffic jams and noise pollution all affect our quality of life. And yet, the numbers of cars on the Maltese roads keep on increasing.

It has now been many years since two local doctors published their research showing that the residents of Fgura have the highest level of respiratory problems amongst all the towns and cities studied worldwide. These health problems are very likely to be related to motor vehicle and power station emissions, yet very little has been done since then to reduce the number of cars from our towns.

That is why the overall aim of the European Mobility Week campaign is to encourage public awareness of the need to act against pollution caused by the increase in motorised traffic in the urban environment. In fact, it is not just a question of fighting atmospheric pollution or noise but also of improving the quality of urban life.

Although no official events were organised, Friends of the Earth Malta believes that this should not discourage individuals from taking action throughout the whole year. Consider alternatives to driving, especially for journeys under 2 Km. Walking or cycling is not only better for the environment; it’s better for your health and pocket. Consider the reduction in traffic, pollution and your petrol bill. If you have to use a car to get to work, organise a car-share with your workmates.