Portsmouth set for bike rental scheme trial

Beryl Bikes already operate schemes in Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole

A bike rental scheme for Portsmouth has been given the go-ahead.

Bike share company Beryl has been selected to operate a trial featuring 38 docking stations offering 200 bikes to rent by the autumn.

The city council said it would allow a "fun and affordable" way to travel for residents, cut traffic congestion and improve air quality.

Southampton City Council and Isle of Wight Council will also join the project.

The scheme, which was formally approved by Portsmouth City Council at a meeting on Tuesday, is set to double in size to serve most of the city by April 2023.

Beryl also runs schemes in Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole as well as Hereford and Norwich.

Lynne Stagg, cabinet member for traffic and transportation, said: "It is important we do all we can to address air pollution and traffic congestion in the right way for Portsmouth."

The council said the bikes would be available to hire, via a smartphone app, to anyone aged 16 or over and it would work with police to monitor the trial.

The schemes across the three local authorities are being funded through the Department for Transport via the £29m Solent Future Transport Zone for innovative transport solutions.