RESIDENTS in East Renfrewshire could be urged to sign up to a mobile app which offers rewards to those who cut down on their driving.

The roll-out of a BetterPoints scheme is being considered by the council to encourage people to travel actively and shop locally.

It believes the move could “increase physical activity while potentially boosting footfall in the local town centres”.

Cabinet members will be asked to approve appointing Ansons Consulting as the service provider when they meet on Thursday.

Users collect points for travelling sustainably, such as walking or cycling, which they can exchange for rewards – like a drink in a local coffee shop or money off shopping.

A first phase of the scheme would cost the council £80,000, with external funding secured from Paths for All’s Smarter Choices Smarter Places and Sustrans’ Spaces for People project.

Depending on the app’s success and further available funding, the council would be able to run a second phase, which would increase the cost to £180,000.

A council report states: “BetterPoints is a major opportunity for the whole of East Renfrewshire to become involved in and encourage active travel and increase physical activity while potentially boosting footfall in the local town centres.”

The scheme aims to promote active travel and public transport, improving air quality, boosting health and reducing congestion.

“There is a risk that due to Covid-19 there will be less confidence in public transport and people may return to private vehicles, which would negatively impact congestion and air quality,” the council report adds.

It is hoped the scheme would also boost the local economy, increasing footfall in town centres.

Under phase one, anyone in East Renfrewshire over 14 would be able to take part and employees at large, local workplaces would be targeted. It would run for seven months.

Those participating would be encouraged to travel actively to work and when on leisure trips – with many still expected to be working from home or furloughed.

The report states: “Reducing or limiting private car travel by promoting alternatives has numerous benefits for the local area, including improve air quality, reduced parking issues and less congestion.

“Higher levels of physical activity can also support mental and physical health and wellbeing.”

Ansons has an exclusive partnership with BetterPoints to deliver projects in Scotland.

It would engage with local traders to encourage them to take part in the programme and allow vouchers for their businesses to be earned through the app.