Electric people carriers are being looked into as an option for ferrying people around Preston's congested city centre.

City chiefs hope the seven-seater eco-cars could link the university, Friargate, railway station, and major retail sites with the new facilities provided by the Tithebarn Regeneration Scheme including a new bus station in Church Street.

When the location of the new bus station was revealed by the Citizen in 2004, it was criticised for being too far from other facilities, like the train station.

Chiefs hope the £18,000 cars could provide a solution to this problem with regular shuttle services to help people get around the city with ease.

The idea has been borrowed from the French city of Aix-en-Provence which introduced the cars in 2004 -- fares are about 30p.

One of the cars, manufactured in the UK by Cushman Diablines, was unveiled on the Flag Market on Monday. Jim Carr, chief executive of Preston City Council, said: "Over the next few years Preston will develop into a major centre in the North West.

"If people are to get full use of the new facilities which are planned, we will need to have an innovative, cost effective and environmentally friendly transport system to move them around."

Showcasing the car was the first initiative of CityBrand, a collaboration between the city council, University of Central Lancashire, the Northwest Regional Development Agency, which aims to raise Preston's profile and attract investment.

City chiefs said the shuttle service would only be introduced if popular with the public and if hurdles like finding an operator could be overcome.

Bryn Jones, CityBrand project leader, added: "Better transport links would help the city to grow and so we are very keen for this scheme to be implemented."