Enviros are asking drivers in 700 European cities to take part in a car-free day this Friday, hoping to spread awareness of the pollution and congestion problems caused by cars. Protests against high gasoline prices have spread throughout Europe in recent days, and enviros hope the hoopla will encourage citizens to consider alternative ways of getting around, from public transportation to bicycling and walking. The Car-Free Cities Network, one of the groups organizing the car-free day, also wants to push governments to ban cars from certain areas, charge for the use of some roads, and increase parking fees, as well as improve bicycle and pedestrian routes and public transportation.
