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Electric car sharing scheme to launch in Suffolk next summer

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Ipswich's only independent news website

We publish the stories that matter and champion everything that's good about our town – without the ads, popups or tracking

Suffolk residents will soon have access to short-term electric vehicle rentals, with a new car club scheme set to launch across eight locations in the county next summer.

The big picture: Plug In Suffolk Car Clubs will place 16 electric vehicles across Ipswich, Bury St Edmunds, Newmarket, Sudbury, Needham Market, Stowmarket, Lowestoft and Woodbridge.

Residents will be able to book vehicles by the minute, hour or day.

Why it matters: The scheme aims to:

  • Improve air quality

  • Reduce congestion

  • Increase mobility for those without access to a car

  • Support Suffolk's climate goals of reducing car numbers and increasing low-emission vehicles

By the numbers:

  • 16 electric vehicles

  • 8 locations across Suffolk, including Ipswich

  • Aiming for 2-4 cars in Ipswich, with the final numbers to be confirmed following a procurement exercise

What they're saying: Councillor Neil MacDonald, Chair of Suffolk Public Sector Leaders, said: "Suffolk residents have been asking about the possibility of bringing car clubs to Suffolk following the recent success of the car club trial in Oxfordshire, therefore I am looking forward to the launch of our trial."

He added: "I am hoping that many individuals and families will benefit from the scheme and help to bring electric community vehicles permanently to our county."

Between the lines: Suffolk's public sector organisations fund the project, with additional charge point funding from the Department for Transport's On-Street Residential ChargePoint Scheme (ORCS).

Private providers have been reluctant to fully fund electric community vehicles in rural and semi-rural areas like Suffolk due to a lack of real-world usage data.

What's next: The scheme's tender process begins this month. Interested residents can sign up for updates via the Plug in Suffolk Car Clubs mailing list.

The bottom line: This initiative supports two key goals of the Suffolk Climate Emergency Plan: reducing the number of cars on the road and increasing the proportion of low or zero-emission vehicles.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

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Police appeal after golf ball attack damages historic Landguard Fort

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Ipswich.co.uk Logomark in a circle

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Over 40 golf balls were driven at Felixstowe's Landguard Fort, causing mortar damage to the historic structure's outer wall.

Why it matters: The damage constitutes an offence under the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Areas Act 1979, which protects historically significant sites.

Inside the Landguard Fort in Felixstowe
Inside the Landguard Fort in FelixstoweGetty Images

The details: Suffolk Police reported that the incident took place between 17:00 on Monday, 10 March and 09:00 on Tuesday, 11 March.

The golf balls were driven from a grass mound outside the fort on Point View Road, with some projectiles clearing the outer wall and landing in the inner parade area.

What's next: Officers are urging anyone who witnessed the incident or has information about those responsible to come forward.

How to help: Contact Suffolk Police quoting crime reference 37/13803/25 via:

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or through their online form.

The bottom line: This act of vandalism has caused damage to one of Felixstowe's most important historic landmarks, which is protected by national legislation.

Oliver Rouane-Williams speaking with an elderly couple in the town centre

We can't do this without you!

If you value strong, free, independent local media that fights tirelessly for our town, please consider contributing just £24 per year

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