A new electric car club has launched in Prestwich to give businesses and residents the chance to try out electric motoring.

Cllr Alan Quinn and Candice Turner from Enterprise Car Club with the electric hire cars at Fairfax Road, Prestwich.

Run by Enterprise Car Club, it’s offering two EVs, based at Fairfax Road car park and available to hire by the hour or day to members. Another vehicle at the Market Street car park in Bury is also coming soon, while members also get access to 1,400 Enterprise Car Club vehicles across the whole of the UK, including 70 in Greater Manchester.

The initiative is aimed at those who do not have their own car, want to try out a ‘green’ transport alternative, or are looking at reducing their own car usage.

According to research, each car club takes 20 private cars off the road, and helps those who cannot afford their own car.

As part of an Interreg NW Europe funded eHUBS project, the initiative is run by Bury Council, Manchester City Council, Transport for Greater Manchester (TfGM) and Enterprise Car Club.

Councillor Alan Quinn, Bury’s cabinet member for the environment, climate change and operations, said: “The project aims to accelerate the transition to shared electric mobility services and therefore reduce carbon emissions. The scheme is already available and working well in other areas including Manchester and Salford, and is part of a wider transport picture that encourages active travel and reduced car ownership.”

Dan Gursel, managing director of Enterprise Car Club, added: “At a time when costs are increasing, using a car club vehicle can make a real contribution to keep down the cost of travel. Membership includes fuel, servicing, breakdown cover, insurance and cleaning, so you only pay for a vehicle when you need it, not when you don’t.

“We are continuing to expand Enterprise Car Club to reach communities large and small, so that people can quickly and easily pick up low emission and value for money cars when that is the best choice for their journey.”