MOTORISTS are invited to quit their cars to see how they cope without them for the first National Car Week, which begins on Monday, May 30.

The week is being launched to celebrate the car and the contribution it makes to everyday life.

By encouraging drivers to hang up their car keys the initiative is seeking to promote responsible motoring while encouraging drivers to appreciate the benefits cars bring to their modern lifestyles.

National Car Week is organised by Euro Car Parts and supported by Green Flag Motoring Assistance and the Disabled Drivers Association.

Other motoring issues the week will highlight are the top 10 concerns of motorists, the abuse of disabled parking bays and simple car maintenance tips to keep your vehicle running.

Mark Wardell, group marketing manager of Euro Car Parts said: "It seems that everyday the motorist is under increasing scrutiny for how they drive, what they drive and why they drive.

"National Car Week is about championing the responsible motorist and celebrating the contribution to our lives made by the car.

"If there is a genuine alternative to car journeys, we encourage people to take them, but we believe the organisation and infrastructure just isn't there to enable people to leave their cars at home."

Nigel Charlesworth, spokesperson at Green Flag Motoring Assistance said: "We are looking to promote responsible car use and raise awareness of the issues our research has shown motorists are concerned about, such as drink and drug driving, uninsured motorists and car crime.

"Motorists are forever being told of their shortcomings but rarely do they get a chance to air their concerns and raise the issues that affect them. We hope National Car Week will bring those issues to the fore."

Douglas Campbell OBE, Executive Director of the Disabled Drivers Association said: "Many of the issues facing disabled people are the same as for all motorists - the rising cost of motoring and suitable and adequate parking facilities together with abuses of the disabled Blue Badge system."