A CAR park in Dorchester town centre was closed as dozens of people gathered to celebrate a vehicle free day.

Acland Road car park was transformed into a car-free space to learn about sustainable transport in the area.

The Streets Alive event took place on Friday, September 22 with the theme of active transport, encouraging attending schoolchildren and the public to “reclaim their urban spaces”, find fun and engaging alternatives to driving, as well as enjoying the health benefits of active transport.

The event was in recognition of international car-free day and welcomed pupils from schools around Dorchester to get hands on experience of sustainability. 

Many activities were on offer including talks about sustainability from Dorchester Library and Learning Centre, as well as a British Cycling course to educate children on road safety and much more. 

Alistair Chisholm, Mayor of Dorchester, said: “Just recently we had the central government rowing back a bit on commitments as to how we address climate change and I think there are a number of examples here of ways in which we’re going to have to change our behaviour.

“I rode down here on a trishaw, and it was very comfortable - all the children have come here by walking, taking a scooter or cycling, showing there are alternatives, particularly for short journeys. This is the direction we should be heading in. Let’s have more of it.”

Mayor Chisholm then went on to make a smoothie through the power of pedalling.

Anna Philps of Sustrans spoke about the benefits the smoothie bike brings: “We use these as educational tools to show what other energies can be produced apart from fossil fuels.”

Janet Davis, who is part of the Dorset Ramblers, said: “Our goal is to protect the walking environment and encourage people to come out and walk. Walking is a brilliant alternative to using your car. It’s healthy, and it’s free!”

The event was organised by the Dorset Transport Action Group.

Stewart Palmer, who is part of the group, said: “We organised the event to make people aware of the choices they have instead of car, and persuade people to join our campaign to improve access to Dorchester for pedestrians, cyclists and public trsansport."

Mr Palmer went on to say that every school in Dorchester sent at least a class of pupils for the event.

Kate Brown, Year 4 Teacher at the Prince Of Wales School, said: “The activities are encouraging the children into being active and imagining a future that doesn’t just involve cars.

“The children are absolutely loving it, and have been excited about it since this morning.

"It’s so enriching for them to learn and do things outside of the classroom,” she added.