Next month, Warrington Borough Council – in partnership with Co Wheels - will be launching a brand new car club, giving members the opportunity to hire an electric car on an hourly basis.

The exciting new project aims to respond to an increase in town centre living. With a range of new housing developments now taking shape in the heart of the town, the club will provide residents with a convenient, environmentally-friendly alternative to owning a private vehicle.

The Car Club forms part of Warrington’s wider travel plan for the town centre, which is dedicated to promoting sustainable travel, including walking and cycling, public transport and eco-driving.

Initially, two MG ZS Electric Vehicles will be provided in designated bays at Time Square Car Park. If they prove popular, it is hoped that the scheme will grow, with additional vehicles provided in and around the town centre.

Warrington Borough Council’s Cabinet Member for transportation, highways and public realm, Cllr Hans Mundry, said: “The launch of this new scheme is good news for Warrington town centre, supporting our wider work to reduce car dependency and provide new, sustainable transport options for local people.

“Through the Warrington Car Club, we want to provide a low-cost, viable alternative to car ownership for people living in the town centre - particularly those who own vehicles which are only being used occasionally. This, in turn, will help reduce urban congestion and lower carbon emissions.

“This scheme fits in very well with our ambitions – through our Local Transport Plan - to transform how people travel around Warrington, creating a better connected place where our town centre streets are safer, less car-oriented and more appealing for cyclists and pedestrians.”

The Warrington Car Club has been commissioned by the Council and is managed by Co Wheels. As well as providing an environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership and helping reduce congestion and emissions, it will also save its members up to £1,000 a year on motoring costs.

Research by Co Wheels shows that car clubs have reduced car dependence with, on average, each car club car removing between 10 and 15 privately owned cars from traffic. Car club members also walk, cycle and use public transport more after joining a club.

Richard Falconer, Head of Locations and Commercial Development at Co Wheels, said “We are delighted to be working with Warrington Borough Council and encouraging people to think about making more sustainable journeys while they’re getting out and about.

“Not having access to your own car doesn’t have to limit where you can travel and who you can see. Car clubs give residents the convenience of owning a car, with none of the hassle. Most cars spend 97% of the day in a garage, on a driveway or in a car park, so having the option to hire a car for those times when you can’t use public transport or walk make it both affordable and greenest way to travel.

“Joining the car club in Warrington is a cost effective and realistic alternative that you can start using today.”

The scheme is due to launch in April, with further details to be provided in the near future. In the meantime, you can get more information about the scheme, including pricing, on Co-Wheels’ Warrington website.