City declares September 22 a Day Without Cars

The Palma city council has declared September 22 a “Day Without Cars,” coinciding with the European car-free day, despite the failure of the initiative last year. Mayor of Palma Joan Fageda said at a Press conference yesterday that the Day Without Cars will be celebrated throughout Spain in an effort to “raise awareness of the need to build a healthier, more pleasant city.” Last year, both the Palma city council and the Council of Majorca tried to organise car-free days, the former on June 23 and the latter on April 29. But both efforts failed, due mainly to a lack of co-ordination and lack of information. This year, however, the city council has mobilised seven departments as well as the municipal bus company, the EMT, to ensure the day is a success. There will be a series of cultural and recreational activities, but to make doubly sure drivers will leave their cars at home, the historical city centre will be closed to traffic. The traffic ban will be enforced between 7am to 8pm on entrances to the old part of the city from Antonio Maura, Jaime III, Paseo Mallorca, Union, Jaume de Santacilia, Porta del Camp and Plaza España.