Car clubs to go borough-wide

Council seeks tenders for car club operator

A new scheme which aims to tackle traffic congestion by encouraging car-sharing could be available across the borough next year. The council plans to appoint a car club operator who could run a scheme from up to ten locations in the borough.

Car clubs are aimed at people who live in areas well served by public transport who only have occasional need for a car.

Members effectively share a car which they can book in advance. When they have completed their trip they return the car to its parking place ready for the next user.

Existing car clubs in Wandsworth have been restricted to new developments or other areas with off-street parking. The council now plans to make available up to ten on-street spaces so that the schemes can operate more widely.

An estimated four in ten Wandsworth households do not have use of a car. Research in Europe and the US suggests that active car clubs can reduce local car ownership levels by around a fifth.

Cllr Guy SeniorExecutive member for planning and transportation Guy Senior said:

"Many city-dwellers have little need for a car of their own - but they do want access to a car for journeys that cannot easily be made by public transport. By joining a car club members can avoid the expense and worry of owning and running a vehicle - they can also help to ease the congestion on our busy roads.

"We know the concept works on new developments - the challenge now is to see if we can extend their availability so that all types of resident can benefit. If it takes off we will look at ways of making more on-street spaces available so that more people can join a local club."

 

What are Car Clubs?

A car club provides its members with quick and easy access to a car for short term hire.

Members can make use of car club vehicles as and when they need them.

An example of a Car Club:

  • Book - for as little as half an hour at a time, using telephone or internet. The booking can be made well ahead of time or with a few minutes notice.

  • Unlock  - cars are located at designated parking bays in the local area and accessed using the member’s smart card

  • Drive – Once inside the driver enters a pin and drives away, returning the car at the end of the journey. It is possible to extend the booking if necessary

  • Pay  - Pay-as-you-go charges include fuel and maintenance costs. A subscription charge is paid monthly or annually. 

                                                   

September 25, 2006