Staff are being encouraged to use Car Club vehicles as an alternative travel option for Council business trips to help reduce expenses and carbon emissions.
Enterprise Car Club had its Council contract renewed back in October and the vehicles are ready for staff to get behind the wheel.
Catherine Gibson, Team Manager for Fleet Compliance, said: “Over the past few months the team reviewed the processes, vehicle locations and general usage of the scheme which allowed the roll out of an enhanced service.
“Existing vehicles were removed and replaced with modern low-emission vehicles, which will help us to reach our net zero target.
“We hope staff will sign up to the scheme, register for one of the EV training sessions and enjoy going about their business travels while helping reduce carbon emissions and air pollution.”
The new scheme comprises 15 vehicles in total – 11 are low emission and four are Electric Vehicles (EVs) – with a mix of automatic and manual transmissions available.
These are spread across seven locations:
- Aitken Place, Ardrossan – two
- Bridgegate House, Irvine – two
- Brooksby, Largs – two
- Caley Court, Stevenston – two
- Cunninghame House, Irvine – four brand-new EVs
- Kilbirnie Area office – two
- The Circuit, Irvine – one
The benefits of using these “greener” vehicles include: reducing carbon emissions; improving air quality; easing pressure on parking spaces and cutting mileage reimbursement costs.
Any enquires or questions in relation to the car club should be directed to the dedicated 24/7 helpline set up on the Council’s corporate account.
This can be by phone: 0345 266 9290 or email: helpdesksupport@enterprisecarclub.co.uk
Fleet Compliance Trainer Billy Copeland said the feedback from Council staff using the Car Club EVs has been very positive, adding: “Once they get used to the cars, they are very happy with them.“It’s a completely different way of driving. We are starting to see more and more of these Electric Vehicles on the roads. It is saving fuel for the future and the environment.
“We have arranged Electric Vehicle training days this can be booked via Fleet Compliance at fleetcomplianceteam@north-ayrshire.gov.uk”