Car club aims to save money and reduce carbon emissions

Travelwise NI is exploring the potential of setting up a car club scheme in Belfast.

Travelwise NI, which is part of the Roads Service, has commissioned Carplus - the national charity that promotes responsible car use, to ascertain the potential of initially developing a car club scheme in the Belfast area.

Such schemes have the potential to make a positive contribution to many of the aims and objectives of the Northern Ireland Sustainable Development Strategy.

These include protecting the environment and reducing carbon emissions, through greater efficiency in use of resources and the promotion of alternative transport choices.

The Head of Travelwise NI Brian Moreland said: "Roads Service was very keen to take this piece of work forward in order to establish if a Car Club would be feasible for Belfast and other parts of the province.”

Car clubs provide members with quick and easy access to locally based vehicles, providing the use of a car without needing to own one. This frees members from the high costs of running a private car and allows members to choose other means of travel, rather than always using a car.

As part of the project, Carplus will be carrying out a survey to assess interest within the city. This will be carried out by post in areas, but will also be available online for residents in other parts of the city.

Philip Igoe, Carplus Co-director, said: “Car clubs are a proven way of addressing some of the more difficult problems, such as cost, pollution and congestion, associated with car use. They help individuals and businesses make appropriate travel choices without pressure from outside authorities. They offer the benefits of a car without the hassles.”

The online survey, along with further information about car clubs, can be found on the Carplus website www.carplus.org.uk

Further information about the survey may be obtained by contacting Carplus on 0113 234 9299.

(EF)