Public urged to leave their cars at home today

Today is the day you can do your bit for the environment and join Dubai Municipality in its ‘Car Free Day\' initiative. Hussain Nasser Lootah, Director General of Dubai Municipality, will start the initiative by boarding the Dubai Metro this morning from the Etisalat Metro Station. He will be joined by other employees of the civic body, and the initiative is expected to witness at least 3,000 employees from 13 departments leaving their cars home and taking the Metro or buses. Those participating are being motivated to do so in every way — work timings will be relaxed and Dubai Municipality\'s parking lots will also be closed for the day. Saving time Last year, the initiative saved the environment from over four tonnes of carbon emissions, and this figure is expected to at least double this time. \"Everyone is welcome to join us,\" said Lootah, in an earlier interaction with the media. Car Free Day initiative, which was started by the municipality two years back, has inspired many people who have started using public transport regularly. As Malanain Salama, from the media department of the municipality, said: \"I use the Metro frequently now. And I have realised that it is quite comfortable and saves me from traffic jams, apart from saving time and the effort of driving.\"