The purpose of car-free Sundays is not to increase the shopping appetite of Singaporeans ("Car-Free Sundays didn't set the tills ringing much"; last Saturday).

Neither is it to stimulate the economy and promote consumerism. We do not need more of this.

The scheme is meant to get people out into the streets, and show that it is possible for residents to occasionally ditch their cars.

Singapore should become "car-light". Other than clogging up our roads, cars also contribute to pollution. People should use public transport more often instead.

Reducing pollution, slowing down climate change and increasing community participation through more sustainable behaviour do not need a commercial or economic rationale. They are simply the right things to do.

Ooi Can Seng (Dr)