Car sharing project launched

The cars are left at strategic spots around the city

An internet-based car sharing scheme has been launched in Bristol which allows members pooled use of vehicles.

Nearly 100 drivers use six cars in and around the city and have just been given their own dedicated parking spaces.

The car club cars sit in specific places across the city. Members book them on the internet or by telephone, turn up and drive them away.

It costs £12 monthly to join with members paying just over £2 an hour and 15p a mile to use the car.

'Pin card'

The organisation hopes for 800 members by 2006, by which time there should be 20 cars available around the city.

Club member Phillip Jardine said: "You're issued with a card when you join the club.

"You hold the card and it unlocks the car, then you put in your pin card and that activates the car and you can drive off.

"I find it incredibly convenient to use. It's cheap, its very easy to use and you haven't got any worries about servicing or petrol or any of the costs involved in keeping a car."

Richard Drew of the Bristol Car Club said: "We believe we've taken about 35 vehicles off the road. I think there's a definite impact."