LOCAL authorities and businesses are showing a growing interest in European Car Free Day after the fuel crisis focused attention on alternatives to car travel. This year, despite a row over the lack of official Government support for the event, millions of people in 860 towns throughout Europe took part, including 10 local authorities in the UK.

Richard Evans, co-ordinator of the day for the Environmental Transport Association, said: 'It was a success, because as well as the people taking part, we had local authorities from all over the country visiting us and saying they were intending to take part next year. Now all we need is the Government to back the idea, as it is the only one in Europe not to have done so.'

American Express in Brighton is planning to set up a car-sharing scheme in time for the next event, while Heathrow Airport encouraged employees not to bring their cars to work.