Drivers in Portsmouth can now get around in more flexible and affordable ways, as a wider car club scheme has launched in the city.
Designed to give drivers a viable alternative to private vehicle ownership, this car club is run by Enterprise in partnership with Portsmouth City Council. It’s set to help revolutionise the way residents travel by providing an affordable option for people who might occasionally need a car but don’t need to own one. It builds on a successful car club that already operates near Wimbledon Sports Centre in Southsea.
The eight cars are available from designated parking bays in Central Southsea, Eastney and Craneswater, St Jude and St Thomas wards. Car Club members can unlock and rent cars for up to seven full days or just a quick trip. Cars can be unlocked with a simple tap on the Enterprise app, and help is available from their friendly customer services team.
People can also come along to see car club vehicles and talk to staff from the council and Enterprise to find out more about how the Car Club works at a forthcoming event. This will be held on Southsea Common, opposite the D Day Museum and near the skatepark on Saturday 16 September, 11.30am – 3.00pm.
An introductory offer for Portsmouth residents means people pay only £20 for membership of the car club for the first year, instead of the standard £60 annual fee. The membership offer also comes with £20 worth of driving credit, to help people get started with making a more affordable switch from owning a private vehicle.
Further discounts are also available for Armed Forces, NHS and Emergency Services. Visit the Enterprise car club website at www.enterprisecarclub.co.uk/ports20 for more information on the various plans for frequent users, casual users or younger drivers. All drivers must hold a valid driving license and be over 19 years old.
Cllr Gerald Vernon-Jackson, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “It is great to see more affordable and sustainable travel options being made available to residents in Portsmouth. The new car club is a great way for people to easily use a car as and when they need one, rather than keeping a personal vehicle that might not be used very often. I hope that it will make it easier for people to save money by removing the need to spend money on a second car. It is just one of the options, alongside Beryl rental bicycles, public transport, and Voi rental e-scooters, that people can choose to decrease their reliance on private car use. I hope in time this can be expanded to more areas of Portsmouth to help create a cleaner and healthier environment for everyone.” Dan Gursel, Managing Director of Enterprise Car Club, said: “We are delighted to partner with Portsmouth City Council to support their efforts in promoting sustainable travel with our range of fuel-efficient cars for residents and visitors. Our car club service helps reduce air pollution and congestion. Once someone becomes a member, they have access to our complete network of around 1,500 vehicles in more than 220 towns, cities and communities across the UK. This means they can enjoy hassle-free motoring not only in Portsmouth but also when travelling elsewhere.”
There are plans to add two car club vehicles at Lakeside North Harbour soon. If the car club proves successful, the fleet of vehicles could include hybrid and electric vehicles, and an expansion to more areas of the city in coming years.
A very happy car club member
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