Alternative forms of transport are being encouraged. Photos: Matthew MirabelliLocal councils could win €50,000 if they come up with a plan to reduce pollution and energy consumption in their locality and make better use of public space.
The Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan, which should cover between three and five years, is one of the initiatives launched by the transport and planning authorities and the government to mark European Mobility Week, which will be held between September 16 and 22.
Councils are being urged to submit a Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan: €50,000 will be allocated to implement the best measures, while three runners-up will be given an electric quadricycle.
Meanwhile, local councils and NGOs are also being encouraged to organise events for the European Mobility Week that has been themed ‘Our Streets, Our Choice’.
The best proposals from the five regions, which need to include sustainable transport and better road management, will be allocated €2,000 each.
NGOs can also propose their own ideas and the best five will be allocated €2,000 each.
Details about the European Mobility Week were given at a press conference yesterday morning addressed by ministers Anton Refalo, Leo Brincat and Joe Mizzi and parliamentary secretaries Michael Falzon and Stefan Buontempo.
Transport Minister Joe Mizzi said the rise in cars over the past years had boosted traffic congestion, which in turn had a negative impact on efficiency and the country’s production.
Congestion emissions also affected people’s health and the aesthetics of the country, resulting in higher health services and maintenance costs.
The government’s policy was not to eliminate cars but to encourage more people to use different means of transport.
Flanked by two electric cars, Environment Minister Leo Brincat said climate change was a phenomenon that could not be ignored. The government was drafting an inter-ministerial position about fresh proposals by the European Commission on climate and energy for 2030.
Meanwhile, by 2020, EU members should be reducing emissions by 20 per cent over those registered in 1990.
During the European Mobility Week, the authorities are also organising a Malta National Bicycle Ride on September 21, Independence Day.
Held under the patronage of President Marie-Louise Coleiro Preca it will begin at 5pm from Belt is-Sebħ.
Participants will go through Pieta to Balzan and end at St George’s Square in Valletta.
The activities will culminate on September 22: Car Free Day.
Since this falls within the first week of the scholastic year, the authorities are still discussing road management and will announce which roads will be closed for the day in the coming weeks.
www.mobilityweek.eu