LUDLOW Mayor Robin Pote has given up his car because he says there are alternatives living in the town.
Mr Pote announced his decision to throw away his car keys in the week before world leaders meet in Glasgow to discuss climate change.
He says that his decision is in part out of concern for the environment but also because he believes that there are other options
“The fact that I live in town and am conscious of the Climate Emergency declared by Ludlow Town Council, I no longer own a car because of the alternatives available in Ludlow,” said Mr Pote.
“It is easy walking, an electric bike, I have a Railcard and a bus pass. Importantly, however, I am a member of the Ludlow branch of Co-Wheels car club.”
The Mayor recently raised £750 through a charity fund raising initiative to get people exercising during which he used his bicycle to pile on the miles.
Ludlow Co-Wheels is a group in which people can hire vehicles when they need a car.
It is particularly intended for people who do not need a car regularly but can have access to one when they do.
The hire period can be from just a few hours to a longer time such as if they are travelling to other parts of the country.
It can save people money because there are not the fixed cost of car ownership like tax and insurance. There is also not the depreciation that goes with having a vehicle parked on a driveway or on the roadside.
On the other hand access does depend upon a car being available and not being readily on hand in an emergency.
Co-Wheels also brings environmental benefit and has replaced a diesel vehicle with a petrol/electric hybrid and plans to move to electric at some stage in the future.
There has been extensive debate about the environmental benefits of electric vehicles and battery life.
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