Rally promotes eco-friendly cars

Motorists are being urged to cut carbon emissions

The UK's first eco-car rally is being staged between Brighton and London to mark World Environment Day.

Cars, scooters, vans and limousines using hydrogen fuel cells, batteries or bio-fuels will cross the finishing line in Trafalgar Square.

Some of the vehicles were test driven by Prince Charles at Hampton Court Palace on Monday.

The event, organised by Revolve, which champions sustainable transport, also aims to promote car-sharing.

Founder, Steven Glaser, said the rally was to show the British public that industry was developing "eco-friendly alternatives to conventional vehicles".

Carbon emissions

The vehicles set off from Madeira Drive, in the Sussex city, with a pit-stop en route in central Croydon, south London.

The vehicles are being formally welcomed into the capital by London's deputy mayor Nicky Gavron.

"The Brighton to London eco-car rally is a great way to showcase the vehicles of the future," she said.

Ms Gavron also urged motorists to choose the most fuel efficient vehicle they could to cut carbon emissions.