DUST down that old bicycle, dig out those walking boots or borrow your children's micro-scooter - you may soon need it.

On September 22, instead of the usual gridlock, Newport could be a calm, car-free oasis - if commuters agree to forsake their vehicles.

In Town Without My Car Day is a Europe-wide campaign highlighting traffic pollution and encouraging people to use alternative transport. And Newport Transport is giving away 100 free bus tickets to help.

Newport councillor Graham Dally, cabinet member for transport and sustainable development, said: "Car use has increased dramatically over the past 20 years and it will continue to grow unless something is done.

"Promoting the use of alternatives is one way the city council is hoping to alleviate car congestion and create a cleaner, greener and safer city."

The campaign follows a summer of chaos on the region's roads. New traffic layouts and bus lanes, roadworks on Cardiff Road and the construction of the Southern Distributor Road caused lengthy tailbacks. The situation is likely to worsen when the remodelling of the M4 junction at Tredegar Park gets under way later this year.

Free bus tickets, worth £2.50 each, will be given to the first 100 people who turn up in John Frost Square with car keys on September 15.

Trevor Roberts, managing director of Newport Trans-port, said: "Bus travel is only one alternative to the car but we hope car drivers will take the opportunity to give our services a try."

As well as encouraging the public to try alternative transport for the day, Lower Commercial Street in the city centre will be pedestrianised for street entertainment. There will also be a free £50 draw with tickets randomly distributed to people coming off buses in Lower Commercial Street.

For public transport information, call Traveline on 0870 608 2 608 or check the website www.traveline.org