As the world continues to tackle climate change, initiatives like the car club will play an increasingly important role in reducing carbon emissions and building sustainable communities...
To help residents with the high costs of vehicle ownership and to reduce carbon emissions in the town, Watford Borough Council and Enterprise Car Club will soon unveil an environmentally friendly car club for the area.
The car club will offer car hire by the hour or by the day, enabling individuals and organisations access to a vehicle without the need for ownership and on an as-needed basis. This is a convenient, flexible and cost-effective solution, as well as another travel option in the council’s ‘Transforming Travel in Watford 2021-2041 strategy’ to improve air quality in the town.
Vehicles will be stationed in Watford at easily accessible on-street spots and will be entirely electric, resulting in zero emissions. The initial locations will be Granville Road (WD18 0AH) and Sutton Road (WD17 2NY), with Queens Road (WD17 2LA), and Woodford Road (WD17 1PA) following soon afterwards. Data from car clubs throughout the country shows that they contribute to a reduced reliance on privately owned vehicles.
At first, the council is introducing this limited number of dedicated locations in the town exclusively for car club use. However, there are plans to expand these bays over time as usage grows. The scheme will also aim to be further enhanced by the availability of low-emission vehicles on local housing development sites.
New members can take advantage of various introductory offers including get your first two year’s membership for £20/yr (usually & thereafter £60/yr) and £20 free driving credit, aimed at lowering the membership cost and providing complimentary driving credits. Additionally, they will enjoy the convenience of not having to worry about maintenance, insurance, or parking permits. To sign up today with Enterprise Car Club, visit enterprisecarclub.co.uk/WATFORD20.
Elected Mayor of Watford, Peter Taylor, said: “When I stood for re-election, I said that I would introduce a car club in Watford. It is exciting to be working with Enterprise Car Club to bring this exciting new initiative to the town.
“We will be providing zero or low emission vehicles for ‘by the hour’ car hire in convenient locations across Watford. We are confident that this new venture can help reduce private car ownership and improve air quality. The car club will provide an easy and affordable way for people to access a car when they need it."
Cllr Ian Stotesbury, Portfolio Holder for Transport and Sustainability, said: “This is about providing choice and options to people across Watford. These cars provide a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to car ownership, and for many could provide lower costs and, for some, possibly remove the need to own a car. This could help to tackle parking, provide greener travel options and help with costs. We're looking forward to working with Enterprise to make this car club a success.”
Dan Gursel, Managing Director of Enterprise Car Club said: “We are delighted to work with Watford Council to launch this service. A car club is a great option to meet changing travel patterns for residents, businesses and visitors, as well as helping reduce dependence on private car ownership*.
“Once someone has joined Enterprise Car Club, they have access to our complete network of around 1,300+ (vehicles in more than 220 towns, cities and communities across the UK. This means they can enjoy the convenience of shared mobility not only in Watford, but also when travelling elsewhere in the country. Members book and access the cars via an easy-to-use app.
“As well as having access to the fleet of car club vehicles, all members will be able to take advantage of Enterprise’s member benefits such as discounts on longer term rentals from Enterprise’s nationwide network of car rental branches.”
As the world continues to tackle climate change, initiatives like the car club will play an increasingly important role in reducing carbon emissions and building sustainable communities. You can find out more about what the council is doing – including its target to net zero carbon town by 2030 or earlier at www.watford.gov.uk/sustainablewatford.
