EVERY year on September 22, town centre streets across Europe close to cars and lorries and open up for people to enjoy walking, cycling, street theatre, live music, dancing, public art and children's play areas.

In Town Without My Car Day aims to encourage people to enjoy their local towns and cities without the inconvenience of cars.

It has not taken off in the same way in the UK, but the Greater Manchester Public Transport Executive (GMPTE) hopes to change all that this year.

A spokesman for the GMPTE said many events had been organised for Wednesday, including incentives for people to leave their cars behind, such as free bus passes for the day.

"Europeans are very worried about pollution and urban mobility. In town, many people complain of a poor quality of life - air pollution, noise pollution, overcrowding etc. And yet, the number of cars is increasing.

"That is why the overall aim of the In Town Without My Car 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," he said.

The aim of the day is to:

Encourage the use of alternative forms of transport and travel other than private cars

Raise awareness and inform city-dwellers of what is at stake so far as concerns long-term mobility in towns and the risks connected with pollution, and

Show the town in another light, in particular by the reduced motorised traffic within restricted areas.

The GMPTE spokesman said: "It is an opportunity for all the participating towns to show how much environmental issues concern them.

"The operation will allow them to express themselves on the matter and at the same time give citizens an opportunity to show their support, by their interest and involvement, in measures for a better quality of life in the urban environment.

"To offer everyone an alternative means of getting around necessarily entails rethinking the apportionment of the highways.

"Therefore, In Town Without My Car is a unique moment in the year when the elected town councillors can test their transport policies in situ.

"The day is intended to make people think about the effect cars have on the urban environment.

"Imagine how much more pleasant and safe towns and cities would be without the noise and pollution caused by cars.

"Part of the problem lies with the fact that cars have always been a feature of our towns and cities. We have become accustomed to the noise and danger.

"In Town Without My Car day will showcase alternatives to the car and the benefits that can be gained from using them."

So what can you do to help? All you have to do is make a trip that you would normally make using your car by alternative means.

Locally that might mean walking or catching a bus. Or why not try cycling?

HELP AVAILABLE

For help planning your journey by public transport call 0161 228 7811 between 7am and 8pm Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm weekends and bank holidays.

The website www.gmpte.com has an electronic journey planner.

Information can also be obtained at the Travelshop in Bolton bus station.

You can also visit www.22september.org to find out more about In Town Without My Car Day

LOCAL EVENTS INCLUDE:

Bury - European Car Free Day, tomorrow, 10am to 4pm in the town centre market place. Events there include a Car-Free Day party.

The Mayor will officially open the event from the Tower FM Radio Road Show stage, which will begin a day of live entertainment, games, competitions and opportunities to learn about travel in the area, including:

How you can achieve reduced car travel

The pollution caused by too much traffic

How you and your family can travel around the area without your car

Where to access and use the public right of way network of footpaths and the expanding routes of cycle lanes and paths

Public transport and how to plan your journey, and

How to use all of this travel safely.

Manchester - Wednesday, September 22

St Ann's Street will be closed to traffic and 'greened' overnight to create a smog-free, urban picnic lawn.

There will be information and entertainment including how to plan your own personalised route with the help of trained staff and the opportunity to chat to Occupational Health Nurses.

Nutritional advice from the Public Health Development Service and free Indian Head Massages to help you relax and unwind will be available, alongside the chance to pick up a free stepometer.

More information can be obtained at www.manchester.gov.uk/visitorcentre/events/intown.