Post date: Nov 14, 2011 2:22:51 PM
The northern Lebanese cities of Tripoli and Mina ban cars for a day to raise awareness of the environmental damage caused by exhaust fumes.
TRIPOLI, LEBANON (NOVEMBER 13, 2011) (REUTERS) - Lebanese President Michel Suleiman and Prime Minister Najib Mikati turned out to support the country's first ever car-free day on Sunday (November 13) in the northern cities of Tripoli and Mina.
The event was organised by youth groups who hope to educate residents of the impact of exhaust fumes on the environment.
Large parts of Tripoli and Mina were closed to traffic as residents walked and cycled in the centre of main roads.
A huge banner over the main road of Tripoli bid welcome to residents, while another declared it "a car-free city."
The youth groups held a 10 kilometre run, as well as other recreational events open to the public, who were invited to enjoy the weekend without the noise, fumes and danger caused by vehicles on the roads.
"This is a very good thing, it's happening for the first time in Tripoli and in Lebanon as a whole, to have one whole day with no cars driving in Tripoli and as you can see the people are walking in the streets and the area is really nice like this," said resident of Tripoli Ahmad al-More'bi.
Organisers stressed that the day is the first of its kind and is intended to highlight a serious problem in a positive way.
"There is a joy, people have open spaces to walk on the ground. We wanted this day to be a chance for the people of Tripoli, but also it is a message that with regards to the issue of transport and pollution, we cannot continue in this way and we have to shed light on this issue in a positive way," said car-free day organiser Ziad Mabsout.
Many local residents backed the youth groups.
"This is good for the environment and for us and I hope they continue to do this. We only want the good for this country and its people," said Mohammed al-Deek.
Event organisers say road traffic accounts for 70 percent of air pollution in Lebanon.