This year, Car-Free Day in Malta will be held on Monday, the same day that schools re-open after the long summer holidays.

The day government schools re-open is usually marked by increased traffic on the roads as children are taken to school.

As far as is known, Car-Free Day was usually held many times on a Sunday and never during school days.

Over 2000 European towns and cities are expected to participate in the 13th edition of European Mobility Week, an annual European campaign about getting around town in a sustainable way.

Starting on 16 September, national and local campaigners are organising various events. The aim of this year's European Mobility Week, with the slogan "Our streets, our choice", is to encourage citizens to 'reclaim' urban spaces to create the city they want to live in.

Commission Vice-President Siim Kallas, in charge of transport, said: "For too long, private cars have determined how cities are planned. But nowadays, €100 billion are lost to our economies every year due to congestion, not to speak of the effects on people's time and health. Therefore, I'm very pleased to see the enthusiastic uptake of this year's European Mobility Week. I'm sure there are plenty of good ideas around on how we can better shape where we live."

Janez Potocnik, European Commissioner for the Environment, said: "Mobility Week reminds us that when it comes to personal mobility, we really do have a choice, and good choice makes a tangible difference to our health and our quality of life. So let's make a stand for cleaner air and for urban spaces that are built for people. Cities are for citizens – let's keep them that way!"

During the European Mobility Week, an annual action coordinated by a consortium backed by the European Commission, citizens in more than 2000 cities in 43 countries will be able to participate in sustainable commuting challenges, teleworking campaigns, flash mobs, car free day events, creative competitions, festivals and many more activities.

Five localities in Malta are taking part in Car-Free Day: Cospicua, Mqabba, Naxxar, Qormi and Valletta but other localities will be affected.

Cospicua and Valletta are organising a week-long activity, Cospicua and Qormi are launching a permanent measure, while Cospicua, Mqabba and Naxxar are holding an activity called 'In town without my car'

A note issued by Transport Malta on Friday said: Kindly note that on 22nd September (Car Free Day), Triq Sant' Anna, Floriana will be closed to vehicular traffic from 0930 hrs until 1930 hrs and not from 0830 hrs as issued earlier.