Car club plan to get Cornwall moving

The Countryside Agency is funding the car club

Cornwall is setting up it first official car club to help overcome problems with transport links and isolation in rural areas.

Car Plus, a national charity, is looking at establishing a scheme which would provide residents with a vehicle to book out as and when they need transport.

Organisers are planning to base the club in St Dennis, near St Austell.

The South West regional project officer for Car Plus, Peter Jones, said the scheme will reduce car use and save money for commuters.

Buses aren't always the most cost-effective solution in rural areas

Peter Jones

He said; "If you've got a vehicle just outside your doorstep, it eats up money whether you're using it or not.

"It makes more sense to pay for a car as you use it.

"It's pay-and-go motoring, if you like."

Area Project Officer Emma Rowse said the scheme, based in St Dennis, could be contacted on the internet and by phone.

"People will book for a specified period of time," she said.

"They will collect the keys, use the car and deliver it back to the central point or even to the next user."

Service access

The project involves Cornwall County Council, Job Centre Plus and china clay company Imerys.

The Countryside Agency is funding the scheme.

Peter Jones said: "The lack of transport in rural areas does mean people can be isolated and cut off from services that most of us with cars take for granted.

"Buses aren't always the most cost-effective solution in rural areas. In certain circumstances, a car might be better."

The car club could be running within the next couple of months.