Drivers will be able to rent vehicles from a Worthing car park as part of a new trial for the area's first-ever Car Club.
Two parking bays have been designated at High Street Surface Car Park, from which people can hire cars or vans from Enterprise Car Club on an hourly or daily rate, for as long as they need.
The scheme is being trialled for one year as part of Adur & Worthing Councils' wider sustainability response, which includes efforts to reduce carbon emissions and car ownership where possible.
It is hoped the move will help to reduce congestion on the roads, increase travel options for those with limited or no access to a car and, over time, improve air quality in Worthing.
Councillor Edward Crouch, Worthing's Executive Member for Digital & Environmental Services said:
“Our decision to run a Car Club trial has many benefits. We hope that offering this service to locals will support a shift away from car reliance and ownership, while providing a hassle-free, environmentally-friendly alternative.
“The scheme supports our sustainability efforts to reduce carbon emissions where possible, and if the trial is successful, we will look to launch other trials along the highway across Adur and Worthing.
“Brighton and Hove have successfully facilitated the development of an extensive Car Club provision across the area, so we know it can work.”
Car Club members can reserve vehicles via the app, online or by phone and then access them at any time from the self-service system, using the app or an access card.
Users will only pay for the time and distance they are required for without any other added expenses, as Enterprise takes care of fuel, road tax, servicing, parking permits and cleaning. Vehicles are thoroughly cleaned after every use.
Customers can choose from a selection of fuel-efficient, hybrid and electric vehicles and must return the vehicle to the same bay it was picked up from, at the end of their reservation.
Adur & Worthing Councils declared a climate emergency in July 2019. As part of this declaration a commitment was made to work towards being a carbon neutral council by 2030.
This means reducing damaging carbon emissions and offsetting any remaining emissions that cannot be eliminated.
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