TWO ferry operators are offering smart drivers significant savings on fares.

Owners of smart, the revolutionary, two-seater car, can take their vehicle abroad for as much as 50 per cent off the standard fares when they travel on certain routes.

Drivers on all DFDS Seaways routes from Newcastle to Gothenberg, Kristiansand and Amsterdam, and Harwich to Esbjerg and Cuxhaven, will pay the same rate as motorcycle passengers, a saving of £50 per crossing.

SeaFrance is also offering 50 per cent off standard fares to travellers who take their smart on all Dover-Calais crossings.

Dermot Kelly, director Mercedes-Benz and smart, said: “This is the first of a number of special ‘mobility’ contracts we are negotiating. In Europe smart customers already get preferential rates for car parking, at some car wash facilities, car hire and certain hotels.

“We will be announcing further special deals in the future so UK customers can take advantage of these considerable savings making smart an even more rational and cost effective proposition.”

Prices of smart start from £6,265 on the road and standard specification across the range includes ABS, the Trustplus electronic traction and stability control system, driver and passenger airbags, electric windows, remote central locking, rev counter, clock and RDS radio cassette.

Customers can get more information about smart and details of their local smart sales centre by calling the freephone number 08080 008080 or by visiting the website at www.thesmart.co.uk