Give up your car and get £100

Drivers are being encouraged to give up their cars - with an offer of £100 to put towards a bicycle.

The scheme has been launched by Islington council, which wants to slash carbon emissions in the borough.

It will give a voucher for £100 - enough to buy a basic bike - to any resident who does not renew their annual parking permit, which cost up to £200 for vehicles with large engines, so-called "gas-guzzlers".

Alternatively, motorists will be offered membership of a car club giving them 24-hour access to a small fleet of cars shared with hundreds of other residents and businesses.

Lucy Watt, Islington's executive member for environment, said the council hoped the rewards would encourage people to get rid of their cars.