RENTAL firm Avis is renaming its ground-breaking CARvenience car sharing scheme as Urbigo as it launches a new operation in London.

The service was launched in Oxford in 2000 and after recent trials in London, it was officially launched in Sutton last week under the new name.

Urbigo allows members to rent vehicles by the hour, as and when they need a vehicle, using sophisticated technology to monitor use and allow bookings just minutes before a vehicle is needed.

Pre-booked cars are parked in special collection and drop-off bays and are unlocked using each driver's key fob, which only works if they have booked the car for that time.

The motorist or fleet is then invoiced for the hours used at the end of each month. For more information about the scheme, call 0870 902 6900.