During the third week of September, many EU countries celebrate the European Mobility week. During this week, people are encouraged to be “in town without my car” as the initiative’s motto says. Since 2002 this event has been growing from strength to strength and this year, no less then 2000 towns and cities across Europe will be organising various events and initiatives.

The European Mobility Award is one award Malta will definitely not be rewarded. This award is given to 10 towns and cities that come up with the most original event during this week. Unfortunately a few events had been organised in Malta during the first couple of years since this initiative started, but no events have been organised locally ever since.


Local and European citizens are very worried about pollution and urban mobility. In many of our polluted towns and cities, people complain of a poor quality of life. Exhaust fumes from old cars and busses, traffic jams and noise pollution all affect our quality of life. And yet, the numbers of cars on the Maltese roads keep on increasing.

It has now been many years since two local doctors published their research showing that the residents of Fgura have the highest level of respiratory problems amongst all the towns and cities studied worldwide. These health problems are very likely to be related to motor vehicle and power station emissions, yet very little has been done since then to reduce the number of cars from our towns.

That is why the overall aim of the European Mobility Week campaign is to encourage public awareness of the need to act against pollution caused by the increase in motorised traffic in the urban environment. In fact, it is not just a question of fighting atmospheric pollution or noise but also of improving the quality of urban life.

Although no official events are being organised, this should not discourage individuals from taking actions. Ditch your car for a day.  Consider alternatives to driving, especially for journeys under two Kilometres. Walking or cycling is not only better for the environment; it's better for your health and pocket. Consider the reduction in traffic, pollution and your petrol bill. If you have to use a car to get to work, organise a car-share with your workmates.

It is surely no big sacrifice to bus it for a day. After all, why stress yourself out about traffic, the price of petrol and getting lost when you can enjoy a journey on public transport, watching the scenery or catching up on reading or paperwork.

And if you really cannot get hooked off from your car, than at least you are asked to drive safely and efficiently. For example, by cutting your average speed by 10Km/hr burns up to 30% less petrol. Avoid unnecessary sudden acceleration and braking - this only increases fuel consumption and wears out your car’s engine. Driving efficiently and sensibly not only saves money and the environment, it saves lives.