Shetland’s first-ever car club scheme is underway under a joint initiative between Shetland Islands Council and Enterprise Car Club. 

Eight vehicles are initially being trialled and available to both council staff and private individuals and groups

Eight vehicles – seven cars and one van – are initially being trialled and will be available for council staff to provide more flexibility and efficiency, while also being offered to individuals and groups.

The vehicles are available in Lerwick, Scalloway, Levenwick, Brae and Walls, with the potential to expand the scheme.

The collaboration provides an opportunity to explore a new method of fleet management for the local authority. Selected SIC and NHS teams will have access to a car club membership allowing them to book the vehicles as part of their service delivery.

Vehicles are available through Enterprise Car Club membership and offered by the hour or day, 24/7, on a first-come first-served basis using the Enterprise Car Club app. Membership options are also available for local businesses and other organisations.

The scheme offers a Surrogate Driver programme, which allows a person with a disability to join Enterprise Car Club and add three additional surrogate drivers to their account at no additional cost.

Data from the trial will inform a potential further rollout.

Councillor Moraig Lyall chairs the Council’s Environment and Transport Committee: “The partnership with Enterprise Car Club opens up a lot of benefits when it comes to running such a scheme here in Shetland.

“If successful, this project can help make our own fleet management more efficient, while providing an easy and affordable way for people to access a car when they need it. We’re looking forward to working with Enterprise Car Club to make this pilot a success.”