Islington Council will give a voucher for £100 to any resident who does not renew their annual parking permit. Alternatively, motorists will be offered car club membership, giving 24-hour access to a fleet of cars shared with other residents and businesses. Quoted in the Standard, Lucy Watt, Islington's executive member for environment, said the council hoped the rewards would encourage people to get rid of their cars. 

She said: "Encouraging good behaviour rather than telling people how to live their lives is a more effective way of achieving lasting change. Most people find they don't need a vehicle in central London as the public transport is so good and you can walk to the local shops and restaurants."

Islington also plans to provide 1,000 new secure bicycle parking spaces by 2010 as part of its Climate Change Fund scheme. 

Head of campaigns at the RAC Foundation, Sheila Rainger said: "This is an excellent idea and a good example of an authority using a carrot rather than a stick to encourage a change in behaviour. "It may prove a useful incentive for someone who has been thinking about doing without a car."

We couldn't have put it better ourselves. So if you live in Islington, and are on the brink of giving up your car, here's that final nudge. Other councils, please follow suit.

Full story at: