THE launch of a car club for businesses and residents took place in Winchester.

The scheme, which is being provided by the city council and Enterprise Car Club, will enable access to a car at any time without the hassle and expense of car ownership.

It is also aimed at reducing the number of cars coming into the city centre, thereby reducing emissions.

Vehicles can be booked for hours or days when needed will be available all year round.

The vehicles will be available at Friarsgate, Middle Brook Street, Jewry Street car parks as well as at Enterprise's offices at the railway station.

The scheme is already set up in Southampton and in the Isle of Wight, as well as in other cities nationwide.

At the launch at The Guildhall, Cllr Jan Warwick, portfolio holder for environment, said: " The council is delighted to offer Enterprise free use of three parking spaces in city council car parks for Winchester's new car club.

"The car club is one of the many actions in the city council's new Air Quality Control Plan. Other actions include encouraging greater use of out of centre parking, the installation of electric vehicle charging points in city centre car parks and introducing ultra low emission vehicles for our own fleet."

Steve Brine MP said: "I am very impressed with this. Air quality is so important to my constituents. I think it is a cracking idea and I hope this is a small acorn from which we can grow."

He added that he hoped that Winchester's student population would be encouraged to use the scheme for smaller journey rather than bringing their own cars to the city.