Watford electric car club saves carbon equivalent of New York return trip

An eco-friendly electric car club in Watford has saved more than a tonne of carbon dioxide emissions during its first three months.

The green scheme, run by Enterprise and Watford Borough Council and based around bays in Sutton Road and Granville Road, has seen its electric vehicles actively used for over 707 hours, covering 2,793 miles, since the programme’s launch in March.

By using these vehicles instead of traditional petrol or diesel vehicles, the club members have collectively saved about

1,128kg in CO2 emissions – roughly offsetting the amount produced per passenger by two flights between London and New York.

Two new car bays have now been added to the scheme, in Woodford Road and Queens Road. The club offers car hire by the hour or by the day.

Peter Taylor, the Elected Mayor of Watford, said: “The steady growth of the car club and the addition of new bays highlight our commitment to improving air quality and alleviating congestion in our town. This scheme provides people in Watford with a convenient and eco-friendly transport option that contributes to a healthier, cleaner environment for everyone.”

Enterprise Car Club Managing Director Dan Gursel said: “We are thrilled with the progress of the car club. Seeing our electric vehicles used for that many hours and miles underscores the growing demand for sustainable transport options. The big carbon emissions savings highlight the positive environmental impact the club is making in the community.”

The car club is part of the borough council’s Transforming Travel in Watford 2021-2041 Strategy, which aims to improve air quality and alleviate congestion in the town. The local authority plans to expand the number of bays as usage picks up further. Watford aims to become a net zero carbon town by 2030.

Membership costs £60 a year, but new members can take advantage of introductory offers including getting the first two years for £20 each, and £20 free driving credit.

To find out more, see enterprisecarclub.co.uk/WATFORD20 and www.watford.gov.uk/sustainablewatford.