Surrey County Council has appointed City Car Club to increase the range of sustainable local transport options available to council employees, businesses and local residents in the county.

Vehicles will be available in locations near homes and offices in Guildford, Redhill, Dorking, Leatherhead and Woking, and will help reduce traffic pressures on Surrey’s busy roads.

City Car Club will initially operate 14 low emission vehicles, including two plug-in hybrids, and there are already plans to expand further, with another five vehicles (including two fully electric cars) due to launch in Guildford in April 2016.

After a competitive tender process, City Car Club was appointed as the council’s preferred car club provider, giving it access to on and off-street parking bays around the county.

Dan Gursel, managing director at City Car Club, said: “Our intention is to build a long-term relationship with the council and the people and businesses in the area, to demonstrate how useful access to a car club can be.

"Over the coming months, we’ll be working with the council to promote the programme and build awareness of the benefits of car clubs.”

Mike Goodman, cabinet member for environment and planning at Surrey County Council, said: “We’re pleased to invite City Car Club on board as it provides a good alternative to car ownership through pay-as-you-go motoring, enhancing the number of different sustainable transport options available to Surrey residents.

“We want to encourage people to travel smart and car clubs like this are environmentally friendly and good value for money.”