Car-free Sundays during the global oil crisis

In October 1973, the Netherlands was the only Western Europe country to face a full oil embargo from the Organisation of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries, OAPEC.

During the global oil crisis, they became the first country in Europe to introduce car-free Sundays with most private cars banned from public roads on Sundays.

Wim Meijer was the State Secretary for Culture, Recreation and Social Work in the Den Uyl Labour Government.

He speaks to Surya Elango.

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(Photo: Car-free Sundays in the Netherlands. Credit: Anefo Collection, Nationaal Archief)