An Electric Car Club has been launched in Saffron Walden as part of a scheme to reduce air pollution in the town.
The club will provide a rental service for residents who only have occasional need of a car.
The project is the latest advance in Uttlesford District Council's Clean Air Project, which was funded by DEFRA (the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs), with the aim of creating a 'cleaner, healthier and greener' town for everyone to enjoy.
In 2022, the council was awarded more than £500,000 by DEFRA to deliver projects to tackle air pollution and support sustainable travel.
The grant scheme is intended to help councils develop and implement projects to benefit schools, businesses and communities and reduce the impact of dirty air on residents' health.
As part of the programme, DEFRA has selected Saffron Walden as a showcase for other, smaller towns.
Alongside the Electric Car Club Uttlesford District Council is also piloting a 'try before you buy' e-bike and e-cargo bike hire scheme. If successful, these projects will then be rolled out to other areas of the district.
The district council has now taken delivery of the first electric car for the club, which can be booked at www.co-wheels/org.uk/saffronwalden.
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Councillor Neil Reeve, portfolio holder for the environment and climate change, said: "For a long time Saffron Walden has had the poorest air quality in the district, which previous council administrations had failed to act on.
"We worked very hard for this DEFRA grant, and it is a prestigious award for UDC to get. We are also privileged that UDC’s programmes are to be a showcase for other authorities.
"I’m delighted that the first EV Car Club vehicle has arrived and is available for hire. It is based at the EV chargers at the front of the district council offices in London Road, Saffron Walden, and a second vehicle will be located on the Common car park once the EV charging points there have been upgraded.
"The EV Car Club is run by Co Wheels, and I am looking forward to working with them."
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