Council launches car club consultation

7.02.31pm GMT Fri 23rd Feb 2007

Residents are being urged to have their say on a strategy which could see Richmond Council team up with a car club provider in a new move to cut overall car use and reduce CO2 emissions.

The strategy aims to provide club cars at various locations in the borough, potentially benefiting all residents. Such clubs provide their members with easy access to a car for short-term hire and are an alternative method of transport for people who need a car occasionally but don't want the hassle of car ownership. The consultation, to be launched on Monday, 26 February, seeks residents' views on a strategy which, if agreed, would enable the Council to form a partnership with a club provider to give residents and visitors more sustainable travel choices.

Under the "Car Free Development and Car Club Strategy", club cars would be secured through planning agreements in some new housing developments. These developments would be "car free" by virtue of not having on-site car parking or access to residents' parking permits. Instead, residents would have access to car club vehicles as part of their ownership or lease arrangement. The Council strategy also aims to provide an opportunity for existing residents to review their car usage and take advantage of the car-club cars. Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking,

Cllr David Trigg, said: "We are seeking views on a strategy aimed at increasing the range of travel options to combat the growing problems of traffic congestion and pollution. "Car clubs seek to offer people the freedom of a car when they need one without the hassle and expense of owning one. "Research at existing clubs has shown that on average members reduce their overall car use by up to 35 per cent, with all the benefits to the environment that come with it. "The aim is to increase travel choices, reduce congestion on the borough's roads and improve the environment for all residents by reducing harmful emissions. "Our planning blueprint, the UDP, has policies that support reduced and car free development and this strategy aims to build on that. "However, before we take any decisions we want to hear what local people have to say. "Residents' views are vitally important in helping to shape our future strategy on this issue."