Neighbourhood to benefit from communal electric car scheme

Perth residents will have access to an environmentally friendly communal car funded by a local housing association.

Caledonia Housing Association has launched an electric car in the Muirton area which will be run and operated by car club social enterprise Co-wheels.

The launch event on Friday saw Caledonia’s electric car arrive in Muirton with residents given the opportunity to see the car and sign up as Co-wheels car club members.

The membership is free of charge for a limited period and residents were given £25 of free driving credit.

Co-wheels, which will manage the car club in Muirton for Caledonia Housing Association, operate a pay-as-you-go car hire scheme, with the Muirton car providing a cheaper, greener and more convenient alternative to owning and using your own car.

The social enterprise will cover all costs, including insurance, cleaning, servicing and refuelling meaning members just need to book a keycard-operated car and drive.

Cars will be available to book from 30 minutes to days at a time and members only pay for the hire time and distance driven.

Julie Cosgrove, Caledonia Housing Association chief executive, said: “Our ethos is to provide homes and services that make life better.

“The Muirton electric car club is a brilliant example of Caledonia working with contractors and partner organisations to invest in an innovative community benefit by providing tenants with access to a cheaper and more convenient alternative to owning your own car.

“We are delighted be able to launch this initiative in Muirton and hope both Muirton residents and the wider Perth community, reap the benefit of this great initiative.”