INDEPENDENT retailers are being asked to provide offers to locals who agree to forsake the car for sustainable transport.

The Carbon Quids scheme, which is being introduced in Bournemouth this summer, sees members rewarded for going green.

Those who sign up to the scheme earn Carbon Quids every time they walk, cycle, car-share or use public trans-port.

Retailers are being asked to provide a special offer or discount which will attract people to their shop or business.

Their businesses will be promoted on the Carbon Quids smartphone app and website and in publicity for the scheme.

Cllr Michael Filer, Bournemouth council’s cabinet member for transport, said: “We want to encourage as many Bournemouth retailers as possible to be part of the scheme.

“Carbon Quids works on an incentive based system to encourage more sustainable forms of travel such as walking, cycling, car-sharing or using public transport.

“It provides benefits to participating employers, their employees and the town itself but more widely, the retail sector.

“We’d love to hear from local retailers to see how they can get involved.”

Simon Collingwood, associate director of Counter Context, the company which developed Carbon Quids said: “Carbon Quids is a fantastic initiative which encourages behaviour change and rewards people for travelling in a sustainable way.

“The more local retailers who sign up to the scheme, the more offers we have to encourage people to become members and travel sustainably.

“Retailers will benefit from the initiative as Carbon Quids offers free advertising and promotion and encourages its members to shop locally.”

The 12-month scheme supports Bournemouth’s Getting About initiative to support sustainable transport.

Retailers can contact Kayleigh Tate on 0800 032 1880 or email gettingabout@carbonquids.info.