More cars to cut congestion?

1:10pm Tuesday 18th March 2008

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A SCHEME to enable people to hire low-emmission cars by the hour is to be launched in St Albans in a bid to cut congestion and pollution.

The district council, which is working with car hire company Whizzgo, hopes people will opt not to have their own cars if they know they can pick one up in five city centre locations.

Councillor Mike Ellis said: "We need to reduce our carbon emissions as a community.

"I hope that residents will seriously consider whether they need a first or second car if they know they can hire a low emissions car from a central location.

"Whizzgo are to be congratulated on their initiative in partnership with the district council.

"I hope that the scheme will be successful and be extended to other parts of the district."

Ten on-road parking bays will be available for the cars, which can be booked online or by telephone as little as 30 seconds in advance, in Hall Place Gardens, Charter Close, Church Crescent, Cross Street and London Road.

People who are interested have to become members first, and will receive a "smart card" in the post to use each time they book a car.

Statistics provided by Whizzgo suggest that every member takes 20 cars off the road, cutting emissions and congestion.

More details of the scheme will be available when it is formally launched next week.

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