From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, July 12, 2007

DEVON County Council TravelWise scheme is preparing to hold its first "In Town Without My Car" day in Barnstaple on Friday 21 September.

The event is held internationally every September to promote a vision of streets with fewer cars and lorries. The Department of Transport encourages local authorities to participate in the day, which isn't new, but until now has not been tried in Devon. Taunton took part in 1996 and since 2002, 139 towns and cities in the UK have participated.

Every year there is a different theme and this year it is 'Streets for People'. The emphasis will be on using streets as safe social spaces and it is an opportunity to promote sustainable travel in a 'street party' atmosphere.

It will be necessary to set up temporary road closures on one or more roads for the day. The County Council's proposing two temporary road closures at The Strand and St. Georges Road in Barnstaple on 21 September:

a) The Strand between Cross Street junction and the Square would be closed between 7.30am and 10am, extending the current off peak closure to cover the rush hour. Between 7.30am and lunchtime there would be a series of initiatives to both encourage commuters to travel to work without cars, and also to encourage the public to visit the Strand. Cyclists would be able to get free security marking on their bicycles from the police who have agreed to support the event. Information on all "green travel" options would be available, plus the opportunity to try out a Segway. There would be a cycle circus and other attractions to encourage shoppers and school children down to the Strand.

b) St. Georges Road, in the area of Raleigh Meadow. There would be a series of attractions, including competitions for school children, cycle circus, cycle security marking, live music and possibly street theatre.

Devon County Council already has the support of North Devon District and Barnstaple Town Councils, Devon and Cornwall Police, local schools, public transport operators, Co-op and the Ex-Service and Social Club in St. George's Road.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "It's an ambitious event but it will allow Devon to demonstrate its commitment to being the greenest county in England. This event will show what a difference could be made to our town centres if people choose alternative forms of transport allowing them to the pleasure of being "in town" unharassed by busy, car-filled streets."

The Council is also looking for others to be involved in planning the day, including environmental groups, cycle campaign groups, local community groups, voluntary organisations, local businesses, Primary Care Trust, and local media.

Devon County Council Leader and Councillor for Barnstaple North, Brian Greenslade, said: "We have already seen congestion significantly reduced in Barnstaple with the opening of the bypass, but In Town Without My Car is a perfect opportunity to build on that to encourage people to consider walking, cycling and using public transport. It's terrific that so many other groups are getting on board and lending their support to the event and that so many people are keen to reduce their carbon footprint."

Councillor Chris Haywood, Devon County Councillor for Barnstaple South, said: "It's exciting to think that Barnstaple has been chosen to take part in such a significant, internationally recognised event. With our congestion problems of the past, it's nice to see that the town is taking a lead for the county on such an important issue."

"In Town Without My Car" is the culmination of European Mobility Week, from 16 - 22 September, which is the most effective and widespread travel awareness campaign in the world. Last year, 38 countries took part across Europe and beyond - Brazil, Canada, Columbia, Iceland, Japan, Latvia, Lithuania, Taiwan.

Notes for Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers 01297 680384

Councillor Brian Greenslade 01271 372065

Councillor Chris Haywood 01271 375121.