Car Free Day remerged after a five-year absence yesterday but it looks like people never missed it. Nikki Abela Mercieca had to break the news to all the people, bar one, that Car Free Day was being marked to ease the congestion and pollution on the roads.
Antoinette Micallef, 57, from Attard
I came to Valletta by bus but not only because it’s Car Free Day. It is more convenient to come by bus; it’s easier in terms of parking. Though, I think Car Free Day is a good idea.
Marion Camilleri, 30, from Sliema
It didn’t affect me because I don’t drive. I came to Valletta by bus as usual.
Edwin Shead, 34, from San Ġwann
I came to Valletta by car because I wasn’t aware about Car Free Day. I work in Valletta three times a week and it is a big problem for me entering the city and finding where to park. I have to carry a lot of heavy tools but I am forced to walk from City Gate to unload them. I think these initiatives are a good thing but there has to be more awareness.
Lara Scerri, 19, from Qawra and Francesca Grixti Soler, 19, from Rabat
We didn’t know about Car Free Day. We don’t drive but we got a lift from someone and we were four people in the car. It didn’t make a difference to us. Days like these should be imposed because of issues like global warming plus the environment in Malta is really dirty. We’re constantly inhaling exhaust and days like these help to avoid that.
Rita Sammut, 47, Kappara
I didn’t know it was Car Free Day but it turned out well because I came by bus anyway. We parked at Balluta and caught the bus to Valletta. I think it is important to mark this day to combat daily congestion.
Elizabeth Zahra, 43, from Paola
I didn’t know it was Car Free Day. I came to Valletta by bus as I always do because I don’t drive. I think initiatives like these are helpful for the environment. There will be less traffic and pollution, which is a good thing for everyone.
Paul Parker, 43, from St Andrew’s
I know it is Car Free Day but I still came to Valletta by car. I had to deliver some stuff and had equipment to carry too. I think these initiatives are good if they work but I don’t think this is the case. The streets are full of cars and traffic; there has to be more awareness.
Thomas Gauci, 67, from Għargħur
I came to Valletta by bus. However, I must say I never saw as many cars on the road as I saw today. At 11a.m. in Sliema, especially the Savoy area was full of cars. I have never seen anything like that in all my years.