Car-free day voluntary - govt
2005-10-13 13:30
Johannesburg - No one would be penalised for ignoring government calls on people to use public transport on National Car Free Day on October 20, the transport ministry said on Thursday.
"The Car Free Day is ... a voluntary initiative for people to
use public transport but no one will be penalised for not doing
so," the ministry said in a statement.
It said Transport Minister Jeff Radebe's call on people not to use their cars on October 20 formed part of an attempt to reduce
traffic congestion.
Fewer cars on the road would improve road safety and bring down
pollution levels.
South Africa's first Car Free Day was also aimed at raising
awareness on the importance of public transport, the ministry said.
Recent travel surveys showed that 4.5 million workers and
students used a car to work or school.
The ministry said the government was investing R2.7bn billion to
improve rail services, and R2.3bn to better the bus subsidy
system.
Another R7.7bn had been set aside to improve safety in the
taxi industry through the recapitalisation programme, the ministry
said.
- SAPA