Self-Service cars

Londoners may just be getting to grips with the rent-a-bike scheme, launched in 2010, but across the channel the Parisians have already gone one step further with the launch of self-service electric cars.

There are 66 bubble-shaped ‘Bluecars’ available from 33 rental stations. There is an intention to expand the availability to 3,000 cars and more than 1,000 stations by 2012.

It is hoped that the £235 million Euro scheme will help combat pollution and aid over 50% of the city’s population who do not own a car.

Drivers will have the choice of daily, weekly or annual memberships with prices for a journey ranging from 4 to 8 Euros.