Streetcar, the UK’s largest pay-as-you-go car club, has launched Streetvan, a van hire service.

The scheme will see Volkswagen Transporter vans at more than 50 sites, rising to 150 in the coming months.

These will include dedicated on-street bays, Homebase DIY stores and Big Yellow Self-Storage.

Brett Akker, co-founder of Streetvan, said: “In trials, Streetvan has proved incredibly popular with companies wanting the advantage of a delivery van without the overheads associated with buying one. Streetvan offers these businesses a flexible and cost-effective way of doing this.

“On average, each of our vans is used by three different drivers every day.

"This means the scheme works towards reducing vehicle congestion with multiple businesses effectively pooling their own delivery vehicles, preferring the flexibility and cost saving of using Streetvan as and when it’s needed.”

Anian Schmitt, who runs his own florist – Only Roses – in Kensington, said: “I have started using Streetvan and the flexibility of this service is key for me.

"I get a call from Heathrow airport saying my flowers have arrived and I call Streetvan, pick up a van within minutes and just pay for the time I use it.

"I now use the service about three times a week and the cost saving really makes a difference to my business.”

Members can hire a van from half an hour at a time for £8.95 per hour.

After registering for £9.50 per year, businesses can book online (at www.streetvan.co.uk) or over the phone (on 0845 644 8475) at short notice without having to fill out any paperwork.

Every Streetvan lives in a dedicated bay, saving the member time and money otherwise spent on finding parking.

Once booked, members access their Streetvan using a remotely activated ‘Streetcard’.

A four-digit PIN code releases the van’s immobiliser and the member drives away.

At the end of the trip, the Streetvan is returned to its dedicated bay.