Bolivia bans cars for Day of the Pedestrians

Cars were not allowed for eight hours during the first National Day of the Pedestrians in Protection of Mother Earth in Bolivia.

Promoted by the government, the scheme comes at a time when President Evo Morales is facing criticism over plans to build a highway through the Amazon rainforest.

According to the authorities its aim is to create a civic culture and raise awareness about environmental protection.

Empty of cars, the streets were turned into playgrounds for street artists, performers and exercise instructors.

Liliet Heredero reports.