Portsmouth City Council has announced a partnership with Enterprise Car Club to launch a new car club scheme in Central Southsea, Eastney and Craneswater, St Jude and St Thomas wards in July 2023.
The local authority also plans to open two new car club cars in Lakeside, which is in the north of the city.
The car clubs will enable residents to rent vehicles per hour or day, with locations being chosen based on the results of a 2021 survey, which asked residents if they were likely to make use of the club. Areas with the highest number of respondents who said they would were selected.
What’s more, cars can be unlocked by using a phone or smartphone.
Dan Gursel, managing director of Enterprise Car Club, said: “We are delighted to partner with Portsmouth City Council to deliver a new sustainable travel option for residents and visitors. Our car club service helps reduce air pollution and 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 in the country. Membership also gives access to discounted hires from Enterprise rental branches.”
The council hopes to have two cars be made available in each area when the scheme launches. If the scheme is popular, it hopes to increase the number of available vehicles in the coming years.
Every car club vehicle will come with an MOT, insurance, breakdown cover and cleaning, the council has said.
The initial membership fee for Portsmouth residents has been set as £20 a year, which comes with £20 in driving credit. The standard membership fee after this is £60 a year, with vehicle rental fees starting at £6.70 per hour.
