Greenwich is set to start its own car club in a bid to reduce vehicle emissions in the borough.
What is a car club?
The car club means that there will be a pool of up to 10 cars in Greenwich town centre that members of the club can use. They will be able to book them using the telephone or Internet.
They will be able to use a special card to open the cars, and an on-board computer will then create a monthly bill for the member.
It is hoped the club will be up and running by the end of the summer, and the council is already planning to work with residents groups to expand the club to other parts of the borough.
Reducing emmissions
It is hoped that persuading people to give up their cars will lead to a reduced car emissions and ease parking problems.
With similar schemes, research has shown that for each vehicle there is an average reduction of up to six privately owned cars. On average, the members of the club drive about half the number of miles as the typical motorist.
Option to public transport
Councillor Peter Brooks, deputy leader of the council, said: “We know from talking to residents that many people do not particularly want to keep a car, but do so because of the occasional journey where it is not feasible to use public transport.
“This club will give them the chance to avoid the expense of running a car at the same time as knowing there is one to use if they need it.
“It will also benefit residents who do not use the scheme, as it should lead to reduced vehicle emissions and fewer cars needing a place to park.”
Funding
The scheme is initially being funded by a grant from the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister. When the two-year funding package ends, whoever is chosen to operate the scheme would be expected to run it at no cost to the council.
12 February 2005