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Isle of Wight: New Smart car pool

Smart move to cut down carbon

By Richard Wright - Wednesday, July 23, 2008
A FLEET of seven eco-friendly electric Smart cars is being introduced by the Isle of Wight Council.
The council’s Smart car pool, coupled with a new Islandwide car-sharing scheme, is being launched as part of its Eco-Island strategy.
The council says the new car-sharing scheme will enable Island residents to share their regular trips, reducing carbon emissions and congestion.
A website will be launched by the council, where residents can register their interest and link up with those making similar journeys.
The leased Smart cars have a range of 70 miles and a top speed of 70mph. They will be charged using green electricity, which the council already purchases. It is estimated the cars will save around 65 tonnes of CO₂ and have a big impact on the council's carbon management plan.
It says introduction of pool cars will reduce the need for council employees and councillors to drive their cars into Newport, where a vehicle is occasionally needed during working hours.
It is hoped the new initiative will encourage more council employees and members to cycle, walk or catch a bus into Newport, reducing their carbon footprints while keeping fit, something the council is also keen to encourage.
Cabinet member for environment and transport Cllr Tim Hunter-Henderson said: “Introduction of these two new initiatives will be of environmental benefit to the community and assist in the council's own workplace travel and carbon reduction plans. A number of local authorities across the UK have introduced car-sharing schemes with great success and I am confident our scheme will be embraced by Islanders who share our Eco-Island vision.”