VIDEO: Council support for Co-wheels scheme

Published Thursday, 28th July 2016

HARTLEPOOL councillors have given their backing to a new “pay-as you drive” community car hire scheme.

Councillors Marjorie James and Kevin Cranney were speaking following the recent launch of the Co-wheels Hartlepool car club.

Run by Hartlepower CIC – a Hartlepool-based community interest company – anyone signing up to the scheme can hire a brand new Toyota Aygo for as little as £4.50 per hour.

There’s also an overnight option (8pm to 8am) which costs just £9 whilst the 24 hour charge is £31.50. Mileage is a flat rate of 15p per mile on all journeys and hire includes comprehensive insurance and breakdown cover.

Councillor Marjorie James, chair of the Council’s Neighbourhood Services Policy Committee, said: “This is a fantastic scheme and will make driving more accessible for people in the local community.

“Many people are excluded from driving due to the cost involved of purchasing a vehicle and insurance, and Co-wheels Hartlepool offers a flexible, cost-effective alternative.”

Co wheels

Pictured standing from left to right are Peter Gowland (HartlePower), Councillor Marjorie James and Paul Hewitson (HartlePower). Seated in the vehicle is Councillor Kevin Cranney.

It costs £25 to join the scheme but members then get their first £20 of motoring free with promotional code HART20. You can book a vehicle online or over the phone and members access the vehicles with their personalised swipe card.

There are currently two cars available for hire in Hartlepool – one is located at the Transport Interchange (next to Hartlepool Railway Station) and the other in Middleton Grange Shopping Centre (next to King John’s pub).

If the scheme is successful, the club could be expanded into other key locations across the town.

Councillor Kevin Cranney, chair of the Council’s Regeneration Services Policy Committee, added: “I wholeheartedly support this initiative which I am sure will be an asset to the town. Once members sign up, they can also use Co-wheels vehicles in other parts of the country which is an added incentive.”

Paul Hewitson of Hartlepower said: “We are really pleased to get the backing of Hartlepool Council. Co-wheels Hartlepool presents an excellent opportunity for local people to have access to a vehicle and is a cheaper and greener alternative to car ownership.”

For further details, visit www.co-wheels.org.uk/hartlepool  Alternatively, call 0191 3751050 or email info@hartlepower.co.uk