DONNA KELLEY, CNN ANCHOR: Bicycles, roller skates and walking shoes the way to get around as some Italian cities try to clear the air on Sunday. CNN's Rome bureau chief Gayle Young reports on an environmental test.</s>GAYLE YOUNG, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The streets of Rome were car-free and seemingly carefree as Italian cities launched an experimental ban on Sunday traffic. Private cars and motorcycles were prohibited from the city center. Public buses plied their usual routes but were free to all. Thousands of residents and tourists took to the streets. Many cyclists who would never dare bike through Rome's notorious traffic took advantage of the lull. And since it's carnival time, leading up to the Christian observance of Lent, some Roman children were allowed to do the unthinkable: play in the street. Some 150 Italian cities took part in the program, including Milan, Florence and Rome, the state government providing millions of dollars to cover costs, like the need for increased patrols to enforce the ban. Officials say they hope the car-free Sunday, which will be repeated once a month until May, will reduce pollution and promote public transport. Critics say the program is unlikely to lower air pollution more than 1 or 2 percent. But for those enjoying sunny weather and relative tranquility, the experiment seems worth repeating. Gayle Young, CNN, Rome.
Italian Officials Close City Centers to Traffic in Effort to Reduce Pollution