Would you like to be able to hire electric bikes and cars in Salisbury?

The council are launching a survey

Author: Jack DeeryPublished 27th May 2022
Last updated 27th May 2022

Wiltshire Council are asking for the views of the people in Salisbury on possibly having 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.

An electric car club would mean members would be able to access electric cars around the city, which would be bookable for as little as half an hour.

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%.

There are already electric charging points in the city, including this one in Brown Street

The local authority have launched an online survey so they can get feedback from residents, businesses and community organisations across the city.

It also asks people if they would be interested in an electric bike share scheme.

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.”

It's a survey in partnership with Co Cars, who are an electric car and bicycle hire provider.

Mark Hodgson, Managing Director of Co Cars, said:

“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 open until Friday 15th July and can be accessed by clicking here.

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