Car-Free Downtown

25 September 2007

The Zelena akcija activists, in cooperation with Heinrich B�ll Stiftungom marked September 22, the World Carfree Day, with distribution of information leaflets and polls of the citizens about their habits regarding the use of various means of transportation and commuting. The activities took place at the Zagreb Cvijetni trg (Flower Market Square).

In addition, they presented an exhibition on transport system effects onthe environment and gave a performance that emphasized the problem of external costs created by use of cars (for instance, noise, traffic congestion, air pollution, etc.), and, finally, to stimulate the citizens to avoid using their cars when going to the downtown.

A series of activist documentary films were screened in Zelena Akcija offices, on the problems created by intensive development of automobile traffic and continuing efforts to satisfy that expansion at any cost. All activities were incorporated in the ongoing Pravo na grad Campaign (Right to a City).

�We want to emphasize that the money planned for construction of new public underground parking facilities should be instead invested in the development of public transport system. The garages should be built, on the other hand, on the outskirts of Lower City (Donji grad). Also, we need to develop the �park and ride� system in the suburbs, i.e. build big parking lots for the people from the surrounding area to leave their vehicles and get to the city by public transportation�, says the web-site of Zelena akcija.