SHOPS and restaurants in York are offering deals to anyone who comes to work by bus as part of tomorrow’s Car Free Day.

York Friends Of The Earth has teamed up with the city council and local businesses to make sure the second car-free day sees as many residents as possible choosing to leave their cars at home.

Jennie Dodson, of Friends Of The Earth, said: “This is a great opportunity to support local businesses and will really help those whose trade has been hit by the recent closure of Micklegate due to roadworks.

“The interest and support we’ve had from businesses right across the city has been brilliant. Who knows, this may even become a more regular event”.

Events tomorrow will include a hog roast, street entertainment and activities. Anyone with a valid bus ticket will also get free entry to Micklegate Bar Museum and reduced entry to the Merchant Adventurer’s Hall.

Ray Neal, owner of Sunshine, in Micklegate, said he was looking forward to the day and said it would definitely benefit businesses in the city, particularly Micklegate, which, along with Fossgate, will be closed to motor vehicles between 10.30am and 4.30pm tomorrow.

He said: “I am always looking at ways to cut carbon emissions, and get the bus into work all the time. It would be good if this made people think again about using the car less and public transport more often”.

City of York Council said the idea of the day was to show motorists there were cheaper, easier, more environmentally friendly and healthier alternatives to using a car.

Bus companies Arriva, Coastliner, First, Transdev York and York Pullman are all supporting the event by offering free day tickets for their local services.

For more information go to www.york.gov.uk/transport/carfree/