Would you like to be able to rent electric cars in Salisbury? Here’s how to have your say

Wiltshire Council and electric car and bicycle hire provider Co-Cars are asking Salisbury residents, businesses and community organisations for their views on providing electric car clubs and e-bike hire schemes in the city.

If approved, the plans would give affordable access to electric cars for everyone in Salisbury, while also supporting the shift to zero-carbon transport.

According to Wiltshire Council, since the announcement of the Government’s 2030 ban on the sale of new petrol and diesel vehicles, interest in electric cars has surged by 500%. However, they remain expensive for many people and many households are unable to charge a car at home.

The council say an electric car club would address these challenges by locating cars across the city and making them bookable from as little as half an hour for one all-inclusive price. This would give members access to electric cars without having to own one and could help people save money while also helping to reduce congestion and improve air quality.

The short online survey also asks if people would be interested in an electric bike-share scheme. Because they are electrically assisted, the council say the bikes are a great alternative to the car for many shorter trips including commuting, everyday errands and leisure trips.

Cllr Dr Mark McClelland, Cabinet Member for Transport, said, “Electric car clubs and e-bike hire schemes are a cost-effective and easy way for people to get around Salisbury while also reducing carbon emissions and saving money.

“As set out in our business plan, we want to ensure our communities are well connected and reduce carbon emissions, and these proposals will help people in the city to do that.

“I’d urge the local community, businesses and organisations in the city and nearby to take part in this survey and let us know their views on electric car and bikes in Salisbury.”

Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Co Cars, added, “We are seeing a huge surge of interest in our shared, electric cars and bikes from communities across the region.

“We’re really excited to see if we can bring them to Salisbury as they would give people access to the latest technology at an affordable price, helping them save money and hassle when compared to owning a car.

“Our members not only save money, but also help tackle pollution and congestion problems as, on average, each of our shared cars removes between 7 and 10 private cars from the road.”

The survey is available here and is open until Friday 15th July. The results of the survey will help establish the viability of the project in Salisbury.

For more information, visit www.co-cars.co.uk and www.co-bikes.co.uk.