Bedford Driving Lessons

REVOLUTIONARY new hydrogen fuel cell-powered cars could be taking to the streets of Leicester thanks to a ground-breaking deal between the city council and a manufacturer of sustainable cars. Leicester City Council has signed a memorandum of understanding to work with Riversimple – a firm specialising in designing and building environmentally-friendly vehicles – which intends to bring 30 of the ultra-efficient cars to the city. The project, which will be the first of its kind in the UK, will see the council and Riversimple work together on a 12-month pilot scheme in which private residents and organisations will be able to test-drive the vehicles. The pilot scheme, which is expected to be up and running by spring 2012, will also involve Leicester University and De Montfort University, and will also work on a suitable location for a filling station to power the cars. The prototype of the car, which was built at the Silverstone racing circuit, was launched at an event in the grounds of Leicester’s De Montfort Hall on Thursday, June 10. The city council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Abdul Osman, signed the memorandum of understanding between the council and Riversimple at the event. If the pilot is a success, Leicester and Riversimple will also discuss the potential of Leicester being the site for a factory producing 5,000 cars a year. Another pilot scheme is also planned for elsewhere in the UK. Leicester City Council’s cabinet member for regeneration and transport, Councillor Abdul Osman, added: “This is great news for Leicester, and confirms the city’s status as leading the way in environmental terms. More