According to Motoring Research, a new project is to be trialled in Coventry to reduce the number of older and more polluting cars that are on the road. £1 million has been allocated to the car scrapping initiative, with motorists able to claim up to £3,000 each in the form of mobility credits.
The trial is expected to begin in Coventry next year and credits will be worth between £1,500 and £3,000. The credits will be added to a smartphone app or Swift travel card and can then be used to pay for public transport, bike share, car share schemes and taxis.
The mayor of the West Midlands, Andy Street, said:
“Instead of asking people to trade in their old car for a new one, we are offering them credits to try something new – such as join a car share scheme or take the bus or train.
“Not only will people be saving money on the cost of running and maintaining their cars, but they will also help the region ease traffic congestion and improve air quality in the fight against climate change. This will make a considerable difference to Coventry as the city welcomes thousands of visitors next year for City of Culture.”
The trial is being funded from a £22 million Future Mobility Zone grant, given to the area by the Department for Transport, for the development new tech and mobility schemes. The pilot project is expected to last two years.
Leader of Birmingham City Council, Ian Ward, said:
“We can’t go on as we are with gridlocked roads costing our economy and poor air quality impacting on our health and quality of life.
“So TfWM is investing billions in our tram, rail, cycling and bus networks to provide sustainable alternatives to the private motor car. But we are also looking at innovative schemes like mobility credits to play a part by offering people real incentives to give up their cars, helping us reduce congestion and keep the region moving.”
