Ditch the car for Clean Air Day

As National Clean Air Day approaches (Thursday 15 June), we're encouraging everyone to help tackle air pollution by ditching the car for the day.

Clean Air Day is the UK’s largest campaign on air pollution and the theme for this year is: “Clean up our air to look after your mind this #CleanAirDay”. 

The campaign is focusing on the fact that cleaning up our air is good for us in many ways: it not only benefits our physical health and the environment but can also improve mental health and wellbeing.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council’s cabinet member for economy, said:

“Everyone deserves clean air along with all the health benefits this can bring. This day will help us to focus on how we get about – could walking or cycling be an option. Walk to school to pick up or drop off the kids, walk to the corner shop, for example. Your mind, body and your pocket will be grateful to you.

“It’s so easy to reach for the car keys if you’re pushed for time – why not plan your day to allow extra time to get to where you need to be and ditch the car – if not for the full day, then at least for part of it.”

Using quieter less congested streets when walking or cycling can help reduce exposure to pollution caused by vehicle emissions. Free transport and travel advice for alternative forms of transport that may help to save money and travel greener, is available from the council’s travel advisors Andy and Jordan via email : [email protected] or [email protected]

The Darlington Walking and Cycling map is available here