City Car Club branches out

The first City Car Club bay located outside the city centre has been launched in Chorlton.

The pay by the hour car hire scheme has been operating successfully in the city centre since 2006 and is expanding the service it offers to the suburbs.

One City Car is now available from a dedicated bay located on the corner of Manchester Road East and Nicolas Road in the centre of Chorlton to any member of City Car Club. A second car will be provided at the same location if there is sufficient demand.

Each low emission vehicle is available to hire out for as little as half an hour from a cost of only £3.96 per hour. Rates for longer bookings can be as low as £2.06 an hour.

Councillor Nigel Murphy, Manchester City Council's executive member for environment said: "The extension of this scheme outside the city centre, offers people the opportunity and flexibility to use a car for a few hours without the expense of owning one. It is a green, cost-effective and an environmentally friendly alternative to car ownership.

"It is also an important tool in tackling congestion by offering access to a car only when required. And as parking spaces are often at a premium, particularly in places like Chorlton, it helps reduce the demand for spaces that private car ownership requires."

A consultation process is also ongoing at present to identify suitable locations for cars in Didsbury and Withington.

James Finlayson, City Car Club's managing director said: 'We are expanding our extremely successful Manchester car club operation into Chorlton to satisfy the increasing demand for our service from residents living outside of the city centre.

"More Mancunians are starting to realise the benefits of hourly car and van rental we as a cost effective and sustainable alternative to private car ownership."

Chorlton resident and City Car Club member James Tate said: "Being a member of City Car Club has meant that I don't even miss owning my own car and I've saved money as well. I can book a car at a minute's notice for just the time I actually need it, so it doesn't end up costing me money when it's sitting there doing nothing.

"It's also good to feel that I am doing something positive for the environment by sharing a car with other like minded people."