Sheffield City Council is rolling out 'Smart Sheffield' cards this week as the city gears up for the world's largest electronic voting scheme.


Sheffield City Council is rolling out 'Smart Sheffield' cards this week as the city gears up for the world's largest electronic voting scheme.


The personalised cards, which look like credit cards, are being issued to voters across half the city and will allow residents to access a whole host of services and discounts around the city long after the elections have been and gone.


Initially the cards can be used to access introductory or discounted services at many of Sheffield International Venues' leisure centres around the city, including a free swim, a game of golf or a free day pass to a fitness swim. MacDonalds are also getting in on the act with offers on their popular BIG MACtm AND LARGE FRIES meal and Hallam University will soon be offering discounts to Smart Card Students. Keep an eye out in the press for forthcoming deals.


The Cards will eventually enable you to carry out a range of transactions including paying bills, ordering and renewing library books, and paying for leisure activities.


Launching the cards, Ken Bellamy, Head of e-government at the Council, said: "Sheffield is one of the first cities in the country to introduce 'smart cards'. This is part of our ongoing effort to make e-democracy meaningful and real for people.


"Smart cards were first used in the 2002 electronic voting scheme in Manor, Nether Edge and Hallam. This year we're extending the coverage of electronic voting with Smart Cards and expanding their use beyond the local elections to areas such as, leisure, library and financial transactions.


"If you receive a Smart Card through the post you need to keep it in a safe place. You will be able to use it to get discounts and access to whole range of products and services."

Contact: Jacqui Bolsover (Tel: 0114 203 9081 Mobile No. 0776 465 9183 )

23, April , 2003