Winchester provides the regional focus next week for an environmental event to promote sustainable travel options.

The eighth Winchester Alternative Transport Day, on Wednesday, September 22nd, takes place in Winchester's High Street between 10.30am and 3pm.

Sponsored by transport consultants, Mott MacDonald and W. S. Atkins, the annual event continues to be the catalyst for businesses and organisations to come together and help promote change and awareness of the way in which people choose to travel.

Exhibits include three electric cars not previously seen at the event.

GoinGreen's Reva G-Wiz is said to be the most energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly car available in Britain.

It is 100% emission-free and consumes on average only 25% of the energy of a petrol or diesel car.

As it is exempt from road tax, it requires only Group 1 insurance and costs just 1p or less per mile electricity to run - around 90% less than an average petrol car.

The GEM is being marketed locally by Zero Emission Vehicles Ltd. Available as a two-seater - GEM2 - or four-seater - GEM Long, it has two gears-forward and reverse-and a top speed of 25mph.

A single charge gives it a range of about 30 miles.

The line-up also includes the Honda Civic IMA and Toyota Prius (electric/petrol); the Vauxhall Combo van and Zafira (LPG/petrol); the Volvo S40 (LPG/petrol); and a display by the Battery Vehicle Society.

Help and information on getting around by bus and train will be available, while local authorities and transport consultants will provide advice on sustainable options and future initiatives, including the new Bikeabout scheme where a cycle can be borrowed to get around Winchester.

Electric Powabykes and folding bikes will be displayed by Portswood Cycles and St Swithun's School, Winchester, will exhibit two Greenpower electric racing cars.

The event is supported by Winchester City Council and help has also come from Hampshire County Council's Multi Initiative for Rationalised Accessibility and Clean Liveable Environments project.

Said Richard Knasel, Winchester City Council's cabinet member for economy and transport: "Traffic congestion, air pollution and noise need to be reduced, but conventional vehicle use is increasing all the time.

"We need to come up with alternatives for the future that are sustainable and lessen the impact on the environment and our health. The event will showcase some of the technology currently available."