Trials of a hybrid car club have gone live in Sittingbourne in Kent in partnership with Hiyacar.

The scheme is being run in partnership with Swale Borough Council

The car sharing specialist, which is exhibiting at this year’s Great British Fleet Event on 25 April, has set up the scheme for both local businesses and the general public, providing the opportunity to rent three hybrid vehicles, located across the town, for as little as £3 an hour.

Vehicles are available for hire from locations in Spring Street car park, Bell Road car park and Albany Road car park.

All drivers need to do is sign up for free via the app and have their identity verified. Vehicles can also be booked from £35 a day and all rental prices include insurance, car cleaning and maintenance.

The trial is being run in partnership with Swale Borough Council and follows the success of a nearby low-emission car club trial in Faversham, which went live for three years in April 2022.

Graeme Risby, CEO and co-founder of Hiyacar, said: “We’re thrilled to be working with Swale Borough Council again, to launch another low-emission car club. It’s great to see the continued success of the Faversham car club trial, and we’re excited to be offering yet more Swale residents affordable access to these vehicles.”

Cllr Julian Saunders, chair of Swale Borough Council’s environment committee, added: “After the success of the first car club in Faversham last year, it’s great to be extending the trial to Sittingbourne. We are excited to be rolling this trial out further around the borough as a way to try and encourage alternative travel. The car club offers users an affordable, pay as you go alternative to car ownership, and has been shown to improve air quality and encourages more walking and cycling.”

Hiyacar will be at this year’s Great British Fleet Event on 25 April at Marshall Arena, Milton Keynes, to discuss how its schemes provide local car hire for when and where you want it. For full details of the show and to sign up for a free ticket, click here.