Colchester Borough Council and Enterprise Car Club have launched a new service in the town giving people the opportunity to hire pay-as-you-go electric vehicles. One of two Kia Nero E electric vehicles is now on-site in a specially designated bay at Priory Street car park.
By signing up to the Car Club, people can hire a car on an hourly basis, providing a convenient, environmentally friendly way of travelling in and around the borough.
The Car Club offers drivers an alternative way to access personal transport, or to replace or reduce first or second car ownership, without the costs and hassle of insurance, tax and basic maintenance, as everything is included in the hire cost.
The Car Club, extends and expands on the council’s commitment to tackling the climate emergency, improving air quality and cost-of-living crisis. As well as providing an environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership, the scheme can also save its members thousands of pounds a year on motoring costs.
Once signed up, customers will have access to the largest Car Club in the UK with 1,400 cars and vans located in more than 180 cities, towns and communities across the UK. These include cars parked within 500 metres of 180 railway stations. This enables members to enjoy hassle-free motoring in Colchester or when travelling elsewhere in the UK.
The council’s Portfolio Holder for Environment & Sustainability, Cllr Steph Nissen and the Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, visited Priory Street car park on 18 October to welcome the new cars to Colchester.
Cllr Steph Nissen said: “The Car Club provides a cleaner and greener way to travel and forms part of a range of shared transport options, including the Tier scooters and the pay as you go bike hub, which will also be launched soon.
“The council is committed to meeting its climate emergency targets and helping residents struggling with the cost-of-living crisis, for whom the Car Club can provide a more affordable alternative to car ownership.
“It’s estimated that every Car Club vehicle on the road, replaces 20 private vehicles*, so we’re proud to be making Colchester a greener place to live, while also making life easier for our residents.”
The Mayor of Colchester, Cllr Tim Young, added: “This is a tremendous scheme, which is not only better for the environment but will prove excellent value to anyone who does not own a car and who relies on a mix of transport to get around.
“The Mayoress and I will certainly be making the most of the Car Club, as we are particularly keen to make the Mayoralty as carbon-free and eco-friendly as possible and will be using sustainable transport to travel to our official engagements wherever possible.
Dan Gursel, Managing Director of Enterprise Car Club, said: “We are delighted to work with Colchester Borough Council to launch this service. It will help reduce congestion and improve air quality by enabling people to make more sustainable travel choices. At a time when costs are increasing, using a car club vehicle can make a real contribution to keeping down the cost of travel. Membership includes fuel, servicing, breakdown cover, insurance, and cleaning, so you only pay for a vehicle when you need it, not when you don’t.”
“We are continuing to expand Enterprise Car Club to reach communities large and small, so that people can quickly and easily pick up low emission and value for money cars when that is the best choice for their journey.”
Cars will be bookable online, via an app and by phone, and can be paid by the hour or by the mile.
To find out more about the scheme please visit: www.enterprisecarclub.co.uk
Page last reviewed: 16 November 2022