CAMPAIGNERS are hoping the streets of York will be a quieter place with the city’s second Car Free Day.

The slogan for this year’s event, which takes place on Wednesday September 29, is Walk It, Bike It, Bus It, and to help people ditch the car local bus operators First, Pullman and Transdev York bus are offering a total of 4,000 free tickets for people wanting to get into the city.

Street celebrations are also planned in Fossgate and Micklegate, which are expected to be temporarily turned into pedestrianised zones. Entertainment and attractions will include hog roasts, street stalls and street entertainers.

Micklegate is expected to be closed to traffic from 10am to 4.30pm and Fossgate from 10am to 7pm.

The event is being organised by City of York Council and York & Ryedale Friends of the Earth, with support from businesses and organisations across York.

Jennie Dodson, of Friends of the Earth, said: “There has been a really positive response from traders and the public. This is a chance to celebrate for everyone in York who uses sustainable transport every day, and we hope people will take part by giving the car a day off and come into town by walking, cycling, skating, canoeing or any other form of green transport.”

Last year’s inaugural event was hailed as a success, with transport bosses claiming queues were shorter than usual and park and ride usage was up.

Damon Copperthwaite, assistant director of city development and transport, said traffic was also lighter than usual and there was a reduction in the use of city car parks.

People wanting to taker advantage of the free bus tickets on September 29 can apply for them at www.yorkpullmanbus.co.uk, www.firstgroup.com/carfreeyork or www.yorkbus.co.uk