EU Ambassador encourages Georgians to participate in World Car Free Day
EU Ambassador said that 70% of air pollution is caused by cars and trucks in Georgia, while in its capital city of Tbilisi the number is even higher, making up for approximately 90% of total pollution. Photo: Nino Alavidze/Agenda.ge.
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The EU Ambassador to Georgia Carl Hartzell has reminded Georgian citizens that today is World Car Free Day and encouraged them to leave their cars at home for just one day.
He said that 70% of air pollution is caused by cars and trucks in Georgia, while in its capital city of Tbilisi the number is even higher, making up for approximately 90% of total pollution.
The idea of this day is to take a moment and reflect on the future of our cities and towns, and how to make them greener, calmer and more healthy places to live in", said Hartzell.
See the video address of Harzell to Georgian citizens.
On #CarFreeDay let's take a moment to reflect on the future of our cities and towns. Clean air is a key priority for us, both in the #EU and in #Georgia. We will continue to invest in sustainable transport to help improve air quality.https://t.co/53dztqWU6P pic.twitter.com/kb1YThF74Y
— Carl Hartzell (@CarlHartzellEU) September 22, 2021
To clean up the air is a key objective of the European Union, both within the EU itself and here in Georgia. We have been working in Georgia for many years to this end and our ambition remains high, including plans to invest in further equipment to better control air pollution", said Hartzell.
He added that the EU will continue to invest in more sustainable transport alternatives in Georgia 'to allow all of us to breathe cleaner air and lead healthier lives'.
A total of 710,378 vehicles were inspected in Georgia in 2020, of which 69% (488,824 vehicles) were roadworthy but 31% (219,895 vehicles) failed inspection, reports local media outlet IPN based on data provided by the Ministry of Economy of Georgia.
Car owners in Tbilisi marked World Car Free Day last week by leaving their private vehicles at home and taking public transport or walking to work – and photos show the positive effect it had.
Hundreds of citizens of Georgia's capital Tbilisi are encouraged to reduce pollution and noise of the sprawling city for one day by leaving their cars at home this Thursday.
Can you survive in Tbilisi for 24 hours without your car?