DRIVERS in Witney are being urged to ditch their vehicles for 24 hours on Car-Free Day.

Witney Town Council is supporting the global campaign on Sunday, September 22, which encourages people to give up their cars for a day.

No road closures are planned for the town, but various activities will take place throughout next week, plus cycling activities and a health walk on the day.

The town council declared a Climate Emergency in June and its leader, Rosa Bolger, insisted residents can make a difference.

Read also: Councils pledge to fight against climate change

She said: "Car-Free Day is about supporting and encouraging us all to explore our town by finding an alternative way to get around.

"We're very lucky in Witney to have so many wonderful paths and cycle routes. If you can, why not join us by hopping on your bike, taking the bus or walking in.

"Let us know what you and your family choose and best of all how you've contributed to tackling our climate emergency one step - or pedal - at a time."

The town council is encouraging anyone using alternative transport on Car-Free Day to share their experience on social media with the hashtag #CarFreeWitney.

This could be through running, walking, cycling or using a mobility scooter, or car-sharing for groups of people who need a vehicle.

Read also: Public meeting sets out how to tackle Climate Emergency

Car-free days were among the suggestions for how to tackle Witney's Climate Emergency at a public meeting in July.

Although an awareness campaign for this year's event was already in the works before the meeting, the scheme could expand next year.

The council will explore measures such as closing certain roads and monitoring traffic congestion and air pollution to help identify the 'problems and possibilities' of going car-free.

Other ideas suggested at July's meeting include 'car clubs' to reduce the number of vehicles on the roads, more electric vehicle charging points and planting more trees to capture carbon dioxide.

The town council is aiming for Witney to become carbon neutral by 2028, while West Oxfordshire District Council is aiming to achieve that goal by 2030.

Witney's climate working party meets at The Corn Exchange at 4pm today.