RESIDENTS and businesses in Newport are being given the chance to have their say on the future of sustainable transport in the city as part of a consultation process.

Newport Unlimited and Newport City Council are hosting an event at the Riverfront Theatre, Newport, on Tuesday November 19 which will explore the introduction of a city-wide ‘car club’, a transport network utilising electric cars, vans and other low-emission vehicles.

The proposals have emerged from the plans by developer Sennybridge for a £39m sustainable development at the Old Town Dock. They submitted plans for a transport scheme utilising a mini-fleet of electric cars for shared-use by residents, together with extensive transport links, and safe walking and cycling routes. to create a greener, more environmentally friendly space in which to live.

The event is being run by Carplus, the national non-profit organisation that promotes accessible, affordable and low-carbon alternatives to traditional car use in the UK. It will give local businesses and residents the chance to find out more about the proposals and share their thoughts.

Presentations will be made by Hamish Munro, head of regeneration at Newport Unlimited, Marius Jennings from Source West, Peter Williams from Eco Travel Network and Chas Ball from Carplus Trust. There will also be demonstration vehicles on show including electric cars and vans, and a petrol-electric hybrid car club car.

Mr Munro said: “There was a lot of interest from both businesses and the public following the proposals for Old Town Dock. People were keen to know what this would look like and how it would work.

“This event is an opportunity to see how a shared network of electric vehicles could help to benefit Newport, making it a greener, more sustainable city, and I would encourage anyone who is interested to come along and find out more.”

The event will be between noon and 4pm. To attend the free event, pre-register at www.carplus.org.uk/newport-developing-an-electric-car-club.