Car hire club launched in Southsea in a bid to reduce car ownership

Southsea's first car club has now started and allows members to rent a hybrid car for casual or longer term use from its base in the Wimbledon Park Sports Centre car park, in Taswell Road.

Those who sign up to the system can book a time slot to use the car for as little as half an hour. Their phone, bank card or membership card then unlocks the car from outside with the keys accessible from inside the car.

The club, which is being run by car rental firm Enterprise, was founded by the Wimbledon Park Patch community group as a way to reduce car ownership and relieve parking pressures.

Group co-ordinator, Clare Seek, said: ‘With more people working from home now due to lockdown some people are finding they don't need a car for everyday use, or they don't need their second car at all.

‘This could potentially save people a lot of money as there's no need to pay to run the car and for insurance.

‘This came about because the patch group had a meeting last year about the climate change crisis and we know we have too many cars in Portsmouth. This is one way we can work to reduce that.’

Since the car club was established last week 10 people have already signed up. Members will also have access to all Enterprise cars around the country, including those based near St Mary's Hospital in Fratton.

Dave Coyle, sales director for Enterprise, added: ‘A lot of residents around here have been asking for a car club.

‘There is the potential to expand. We're set to have two cars here by next week but if the interest is there we would love to set up more around the city.’

The cars are fully cleaned by Enterprise after each use.

City residents can currently join the club for £10 a year by using the code Portsmouth10 via the Enterprise website, which provides £10 of credit to drive.

Portsmouth City Council is currently looking into creating a city-wide car club.

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