Car club scheme to get in gear on Wearside today

Engines are running as a new car sharing club launches in Sunderland tomorrow.

Four low cost, low emission cars will be available to hire from dedicated parking bays in the city centre which members of the scheme can hire on a short-term, low cost ‘pay-as-you-drive’ basis.

The car club allows members to book cars online and unlock them with a smartcard.

At the end of the booking time the car is then returned to its bay for the next driver.

The cars can be hired for periods of 30 minutes up to several days at a time, and are charged on a per-hour basis. Portfolio holder for city services, Councillor Michael Mordey said: “This city is committed to promoting sustainable transport, and this exciting regional project with our neighbouring local authorities is another way of getting people to consider alternatives ways to travel.

“A car club offers low cost eco-friendly car hire for residents and businesses, with economy and low-emission vehicles available for people to hire on a short term basis from convenient city centre locations near transport links. The schemes already in place nationally have reduced business costs by 20%, and also provided thousands of people with access to affordable motoring.”

The car club is a regional sustainable transport project, part-funded through the North East Combined Authority and delivered by councils at community level, with the University of Sunderland partnering as a car club member for corporate use.

Facilities Support Manager at the University of Sunderland, Michael Foster said: “We are pleased to be partners in this innovative transport scheme that not only benefits our own staff and students, but the wider local community too.”

Sunderland City Council and the University of Sunderland have exclusive access to the other two cars during working hours which include a Nissan LEAF electric car at Cowan Terrace/ Park Lane Interchange, and a small Toyota Aygo at City Space University Campus which are both available for public hire during evenings and weekends.

Hire of the cars cost from £4.50 per hour. For details go to www.co-wheels.org. uk/northeast.