On September 20, Minsk / Olga Belyavskaya - BELTA /. Public transport in Belarusian cities will run more frequently on the Car-Free Day, September 22. This was announced today at a press conference in Minsk by the Deputy Minister of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection, Galina Volchuga, as reported by a BELTA correspondent. According to the Deputy Minister, to make passenger travel comfortable on this day and to avoid crowds at bus stops, the number of public transport vehicles in Belarusian cities will be increased on the day of the event. Galina Volchuga also reminded that in all regional centres, public transport will be free for drivers who refuse to use their personal vehicles. The representative of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Protection also added that more and more people are participating in the event each year. The problem of the impact of harmful emissions from vehicles on public health is becoming increasingly relevant for Belarus. This year, the event will be supported by state administration bodies, local executive bodies, and Belarusian citizens. "Everyone can contribute to environmental protection and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle by giving up their car on the day of the event in favour of a bicycle or public transport," said Galina Volchuga. Belarus will participate in the pan-European "Car-Free Day" campaign for the third time. The first event in the country took place in 2008. At that time, by reducing the number of cars used in one day, it was possible to prevent the emission of about 400 tonnes of pollutants into the atmosphere, and in Minsk - about 100 tonnes. In 2009, the campaign was supported by almost all major Belarusian cities, but in Minsk, the results were significantly lower than in 2008. It is expected that this year, Car-Free Day will be supported by most ministries and departments of the country. Every year from September 16 to 22, the European Mobility Week campaign takes place in European countries. Its goal is to draw public attention to the problems associated with the impact of road transport on air quality and human health, as well as to the environmental aspects in the planning of transport policies of European cities. This year, 1142 cities and 37 countries, including Belarus, will participate in the campaign.