Dudley Council to trial smart cards

Local authority tests combined system for access to leisure services

Dudley Borough Council hais trialling a smart card system to help citizens access library and leisure facilities.

If successful, the cards will be used for numerous council services including library cards, accessing council internet connections or booking a slot at a leisure facility.

Councillor Charles MacNamara, cabinet member for leisure and culture at the council, says residents will only need to carry one card to access services.

'This will mean a more efficient and cost-effective way of storing data and also means that local people will only need to carry round one card to access a range of services,' he said.

The council hopes the scheme will help it save money by issuing less cards to people, helping to meet government efficiency targets.

Assuming the pilot is successful, the scheme will be offered to all residents later in the year.

'We then hope to develop it further, enabling people able to access more council services through it, such as Castle & Crystal credit union, and ultimately be able to use it at any Smart Card point across the Black Country,' he said.

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