If it is not time to renew the tax disc, it is the insurance and then there are the dreaded repair bills.

However, a new initiative launched in Southampton aims to offer drivers the best of both worlds the use of a car without the hassle of owning one.

Billed as being quick, convenient and environmentally aware, a fleet of pay-by-the-hour cars was unveiled at the city's Civic Centre yesterday.

As well as being easier on the wallet, they also aim to reduce congestion and the demand for residential parking.

The firm behind the scheme is WhizzGo, which is working with Southampton City Council to provide businesses and residents with what it says is the "ideal alternative to owning a car".

The initial fleet of 22 Citroen C3s will cost no more than £4.95 an hour each to hire.

The fee includes fully comprehensive insurance, 30 free miles a day and 24-hour breakdown assistance.

A whole day's hire costs £35, which works out as £1.46 per hour for 24 hours.

Once you are a member, you can book over the phone or online and pick a car up at any time of the day or night from a number of dedicated bays across the city.

The cars are currently located in the Civic Centre forecourt, Southbrook Road car park on the north side of Southampton Central railway station, Bedford car park at the corner of Wilton Avenue, and College Street car park.

The scheme will be rolled out to 11 locations in coming weeks.

There are also dedicated parking bays across the city, which means no more circling for spaces when you want to park.

Councillor Jill Baston, Cabinet member for environment and transport, said: "We are committed to the development of alternative transport solutions in Southampton to counter the issues of traffic congestion, parking pressure and air quality.

"Research proves that pay-as-you-go cars will help reduce the number of private cars on the road, help- ing the community and the environment.

"They also offer residents and businesses practical, cost-effective access to a car when needed, complementing public transport, walking and cycling."

The scheme is already successfully operating in Liverpool, Leeds, London and Brighton.

To register for the scheme, call 0870 4466000 or go to www.WhizzGo.co.uk and pay a one-off £25 membership fee and a refundable insurance deposit of £125.