A CAR rental firm has called for 'swap shops' to be set up so business motorists can switch to emission-free transport for city-centre travel. Sites which allow drivers to exchange ordinary cars for battery-driven models could provide a major boost to the Government's programme for cleaner air in cities and towns, believes Standish Self Drive.

The concept has already been taken to prototype stage by PSA Peugeot-Citroen, which first demonstrated its Tulip self-service urban transport system of electric rental vehicles two years ago.

Brian Denvir, sales director of the Wigan-based company, said: 'We believe people who attempt to drive non-fuel efficient vehicles into town and city centres will soon be facing the prospect of huge penalties. 'It makes sense for companies like ours to partner local authorities in creating out of town, multi-site terminals so drivers and their passengers can switch to cleaner forms of travel. All-electric vehicles could be provided at a nominal short-term rental and could be fitted with tracking devices to make sure their use is confined to city limits.'