Carless Southampton
Southampton Town received the highest level of achievement, the Gold Award, from Car Free Day Long Island for the Municipality Challenge Award. The distinction comes as the town encouraged both employees and others to leave their vehicles at home and take alternative transportation to work, including the South Fork Commuter Connection service or carpool September 20.
“Southampton is actively engaged in sustainable initiatives,” said Councilman John Bouvier, who’s also a member of the town’s Sustainable Committee. “I am very proud that Southampton has received the Car Free Gold Award as part of our goal to reduce congestion, contribute to a greener environment, and reduce gasoline demand.”
Southampton’s participation helped the Long Island chapter of Car Free Day receive a total 5824 pledges to go car free that resulted in the avoidance of over 138,000 miles of driving and 67 tons of carbon emissions. Car Free Day is celebrated in 46 countries and more than 2000 cities.
“The town is honored to have earned this award,” said Tom Neely, director of intermodal transportation and traffic safety for the town. “Promoting participation in Car Free Day is one component in the towns’ continuing effort to support transportation initiatives which will help reduce traffic congestion and pollution.”