‘Car-free Day’ backfires in Spain after closing of streets leads to traffic jams

THE closing of roads for World Car-Free Day backfired in Spain when it led to more traffic jams.

Cities across Spain closed their busy streets yesterday to encourage walking and the use of public transport.

The move, an attempt to raise awareness of rising air pollution, instead packed the open city streets with cars, leading to lengthy traffic jams.

Scores of drivers complained that they were late to work, while many said they did not know of the initiative until they were trapped in traffic.

Barcelona said the efforts led to a 4.3% decrease in the amount of cars on the road.