Residents will soon be able to hire eco-friendly cars in a town centre as part of a three-year trial.

The car club scheme in Faversham will give people access to low-emission cars for as little as £3 an hour, and without the hassle and high costs of ownership.

Firm Hiyacar will provide hybrid and electric vehicles as part of a pay-as-you-go system, with users booking online.

Members will be able to access cars by using keyless technology via an app.

The rental price includes car cleaning, maintenance and insurance.

The car club is different from a separate scheme the firm runs, which allows owners to make cash by renting their vehicles to a vetted community of drivers.

The latest initiative is part of a three-year trial by Swale Borough Council, with the vehicles leased from Hiyacar.

It is hoped it will launch at the end of April - but an official date is yet to be confirmed.

Graeme Risby, CEO at Hiyacar, said: “We’re incredibly excited about the launch of this car club featuring hybrid and electric vehicles.

“Hiyacar is proud to be offering residents of Faversham affordable access to low-emission vehicles. We’re excited to see the car club get underway and its inevitable growth and success.”

Cllr Tim Valentine - a member of Swale council’s climate emergency cabinet - says members of Hiyacar will initially be able to choose from three hybrid cars, which are two years old.

These will be available from Central car park, Queens Hall car park opposite the railway station, and Institute Road car park by the library.

Following the installation of a dedicated EV charger point, a fully electric car will replace one of the hybrids.

The remaining two hybrid cars will also eventually be replaced.

“We’re delighted to be trialling a three-year car club with Hiyacar in Faversham,” Cllr Valentine said.

“They offer users an affordable, pay-as-you-go alternative to car ownership. Car sharing also improves air quality and encourages members to walk and cycle more often.

“Members who drive less than 6-8,000 miles annually could save up to £3,500 a year by using the car club.

“With more than 44% of people in Faversham saying they would be interested in using a car club locally, we’re excited to see how the trial goes.”

Cllr Valentine added that at the end of the trial, the local authority intends for the car club to be self-financing and to “continue as part of our plans for more active travel options in Faversham”.