A new Island-wide car sharing scheme and a fleet of seven electric smart cars for use as council pool cars will be introduced as part of the council’s commitment to achieving its Eco-Island vision.

In an effort to reduce carbon emissions and congestion, the new car sharing scheme will enable Island residents to share their regular trips. With rapidly increasing fuel prices, the scheme will not only bring environmental benefits to the Island but will also bring significant financial savings to those taking part. 

A website will be launched by the council, where residents can register their interest and link up with those making similar journeys.

The council also plans to introduce a fleet of seven electric pool cars, available for council staff to use. The Smart cars, which will be leased, have a range of 70 miles and a top speed of 70mph.  They will plugged into mains electricity supplies at various locations and 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.

The 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 enable 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.

Tim Hunter-Henderson, Cabinet member for environment and transport said:

“The 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.”