An East Renfrewshire man is hoping to motor ahead with plans to set up the area’s first ever electric car club.

Tom McKay, 62, has launched a feasibility survey to find out if there is enough interest in the project, which would see two electric cars being made available from 8am until 10pm for a six-month trial period from April.

To fill in the survey, click HERE.

The telecommunications network planner said there are a number of reasons why an electric car club could be successful in the Barrhead area.

He believes the idea would appeal in particular to older and young people who can’t afford to buy an electric car or only want to use one on certain occasions.

Tom also thinks the club would appeal to people who live in tenements and would find it difficult to have their own charging point or parking space for an electric vehicle.

He told the Barrhead News: “I think this is the way forward.

“In the future, I think people will be sharing, not owning, cars because of the cost.

“At the moment, we are just trying to gauge interest.

“The car sharing scheme would, for example, be for people who need a car to go shopping or for a short trip or day out.”

Tom, who lives in Newton Mearns, says he is looking for an initial 50 members, who would pay a monthly subscription fee to join.

The club would be open to people living across East Renfrewshire.

He added: “According to the RAC Foundation, there are just over 33 million cars registered in the UK. With the current cost of living continuing to bite, is it time to ask ourselves, as a society, do we need to own all these cars?

“On top of this, there are environmental considerations.

“It is estimated that one electric car in a club can take up to 20 petrol or diesel cars off the road, with the result being reduced emissions.

“As well as helping to reduce climate-damaging emissions, the car club will spread and share the costs of car ownership and travel among more people.”

However, Tom admits club members would need to plan ahead to make use of one of the vehicles and ensure the scheme can work.

Anyone who is interested in becoming a member is asked to contact Tom at thomasmckayg77@gmail.com.