Car club to fight congestion

Car club to fight congestion

The scheme aims to reduce car use

A "pay as you drive" scheme is beginning in London.

The City Car Club is starting in seven London boroughs and aims to cut pollution and congestion.

While it is not on the same scale as the congestion charge, it will be partly funded by proceeds from the £5-a-day scheme.

Members pay an annual fee allowing them to use a club car for between one hour and three days, accessing it with a smart card and PIN number.

Car clubs have already taken off in Bristol and Edinburgh and London's first 'car station' opens on Tuesday in Kensington Central Library car park.

The station is a parking bay for a car club vehicle and will be the first of several across London.

The cars are dual fuel and will make a real contribution to improving air quality in London

Councillor Frances Taylor

Brent, Camden, Ealing, Islington, Kensington and Chelsea, Lambeth and Merton will each have their own car stations installed over the next year.

Kensington councillor Frances Taylor said: "The London City Car Club will provide a real alternative to owning a car while allowing access to a car when needed.

"The cars are dual fuel and will make a real contribution to improving air quality in London."

The scheme will be managed by Smart Moves, a non-profit making company which helps set up schemes and provides software and booking systems.