A DAY of free bus travel is among council incentives to reduce traffic in the city this month.

Brighton and Hove City Council is offering free fares on its Breeze buses on Saturday, September 17, which it hopes will boost visits to the South Downs.

It is part of a week-long project to mark the city’s "car free day" on September 22.

City residents are encouraged to walk or cycle to work and school to help reduce pollution and promote a healthy lifestyle.

A “School Streets” taster day will see the road leading to Aldrington Primary School closed to motor vehicle traffic for one hour from 8.15am, as its community is asked to find green transport alternatives for a day.

Councillor Steve Davis, co-chairman of the environment, transport and sustainability committee, said: “This summer we’ve all seen and felt the full force of the climate emergency we face. The hottest day on record and one of the driest summers we’ve ever seen.

The Argus: Councillor Steve DavisCouncillor Steve Davis

“We need to do more to reduce harmful emissions and travelling sustainably where possible is a way we can all make a difference.

“It also helps those who need access to a car, like emergency services and blue badge holders, get round more efficiently.

“Leaving the car at home on car free day is a positive step and I’d urge anyone who can to join in. The events and activities we have lined up look great and there’s plenty of opportunity for everyone to get involved.”

Other activities across the week will include a free coastal biodiversity health walk, various exhibitions, and bicycle sessions.

The theme for this year's event is “a better connected city”.

It celebrates the city’s aims to “improve travel for everyone, by connecting people with their communities in a way that is inclusive, accessible and sustainable”.

The city council said that by decreasing the number of cars, it hopes to reduce the number of people hurt on the roads.

Every 22 minutes someone is killed or seriously injured on UK roads, though not all of these are caused by cars.

Buses included in the day of free travel on September 17 are the 77, 78, and 79 services.

Further information is available via the city council website.