Coventry City Council is making progress with a trial that will see 150 people given 3,000 to give up their cars and use public transport instead.
In exchange for giving up their car, people taking part in the incentive will receive £3,000 loaded onto a travel card – even if their vehicle is worth less than this amount.
This money can then be used to pay for transport services like trains, buses, taxis and bike rental services, reports The Sunday Times Driving.
The scheme was first reported to be in the works in 2019 but only got off the ground earlier this year. Juliette and Adair Richards, a couple who have been taken part in the Coventry scheme for five months, told The Sunday Times: “It puts it into perspective. Why buy a second car? It’s just not worth it.”
The couple got the £3,000 of transport credits despite their car only being worth £1,000.
Coventry City Council is said to be looking for 200 more people to give up their cars. At the time of confirming the scheme, it was reported that cars which are deemed the most polluting – such as diesel vehicles built before 2016 and petrol models made before 2006 – would be eligible.
It comes as the London Ultra Low Emission Zone (Ulez) is set to expand next week, meaning more drivers will face a £12.50 daily fee if they have a polluting vehicle from October 25.
