Car clubs and car sharing

Carplus’ Breathing Fresh Air Programme aims to energise existing networks of people who share our target of reducing car dependency and pollution. Car clubs and car sharing are just two ways in which this can be achieved say organisers. Fewer cars lead to reduced pollution and healthier lives, which in turn improves neighbourhoods and communities. Ok – so tell us more…

– a breath of fresh air for local people

Carplus, the national charity promoting rethinking car use, explain:

In an age where music downloads are rapidly catching up with CDs purchased on the high street as the media of choice, the concept of using something instead of owning it is increasing in popularity. This is also happening with cars – perhaps seen as the last preserve of materialism and ownership. Car clubs and car sharing provide popular, cost-effective and environmentally sound ways of breaking the link between car ownership and use. Carplus is looking to work with communities and other groups to make sure that people realise the possibilities of having access to a car without defaulting to private car use for every journey. This results in improved local air quality and environments.

Almost everyone agrees that cars make life easier, but at the same time create a myriad of problems for society, both now and in the future. The challenge is to find a way to ensure the benefits of car use are enjoyed equally, whilst mitigating their impacts. Changing the way we think about cars to view them as a service rather than a possession is a step in the right direction.

So, how do they work?

• Car clubs provide members with a quick and easy access to a car for short term hire.

• Vehicles can be booked in advance or with just a few moments’ notice, using the phone or internet.
• Cars are located just a short walk from the member’s home or workplace.
• They are accessed using an electronic swipe card.
• Bookings can be extended using the in-car technology and usage is paid for with a single monthly bill (fuel and maintenance are included in the price).

Research has shown that many car club members give up their car or second car (or put off buying one) resulting in one car club car clearing six private cars off the road. Without a car parked outside their home, travel blending, including the use of public transport, becomes a more viable option. By avoiding paying for a private car in advance, a level playing field is created where the car club car, bus, train, walking and cycling stand side by side and the most appropriate option can be chosen for that particular journey.

Car clubs work best for those who use their cars a few times a week; whereas car sharing can tackle the issue of the single-occupancy commute where there is no public transport alternative available. By reducing the number of vehicles travelling to the workplace, not only can congestion and pollution be reduced, (both along the route to work and in the vicinity of the workplace) but employers can put land previously required for parking to other uses. Car sharing also works well among other communities – such as community groups – to enable people to get around when either the household’s main car is not available or when the public transport services just don’t meet the needs of some people.

Carplus’ Breathing Fresh Air Programme aims to energise existing networks of people who share our target of reducing car dependency and pollution. 55% of people in a 2005 Scottish Executive Survey said that they would like to reduce their car use. Car clubs and car sharing are just two ways in which this can be achieved. Fewer cars lead to reduced pollution and healthier lives, which in turn improves neighbourhoods and communities.

Carplus can provide relevant, targeted information and training on good practice in order to help people on the ground be advocates for tackling car dependency. The training will involve free regional seminars and locally relevant advice, suggestions and information. Carplus will carry out as much of the preparatory work as possible and will tailor information to particular regions and individual circumstances.

To get involved or find out more contact Alistair Kirkbride or Naomi Cordiner , phone 0113 234 9299 or visit the website at www.carplus.org.uk

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Carplus - 09/02/06

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