Breathing fresh air into local communities

Music downloads are rapidly catching up with purchased CDs as the media of choice and the concept of using something instead of owning it is increasing in popularity.

This is also happening with cars. Car clubs and car sharing are breaking the link between car ownership and use by providing popular, cost-effective and environmentally sound ways of getting about.

SERVICE

Almost everyone agrees that cars make life easier, but at the same time create problems. The challenge is to ensure that the benefits of car use are enjoyed equally while mitigating their impacts.

Changing the way we think about cars to view them as a service rather than a possession is a step in the right direction.

The Carplus Breathing Fresh Air Programme aims to energise existing networks of people who share our target of reducing car dependency and pollution.

HOW IT WORKS

Car clubs provide members with quick and easy access to a car for short term hire.

1. Vehicles are booked in advance by phone or internet.
2. Cars are located just a short walk from the member's home or workplace.
3. They are accessed using an electronic swipe card.
4. Extend your booking using in-car technology.
5. Pay with a single monthly bill, which includes fuel and maintenance.

Research has shown that members of a car club give up their car or second car, or put off buying a new one, so one car club can clear six private cars off the road.

Without a car parked outside your home, 'travel blending' also becomes a more viable option where the most appropriate form of transport can be selected for a particular journey; the car club, bus, train, walking or cycling.

CAR SHARING

Car clubs work best for those who use their cars a few times a week. Car sharing can tackle the issue of the single occupancy commute where there is no public transport alternative available.

Car sharing also works well in communities to help people get around when the household's main car is unavailable or when public transport is inconvenient.

GETTING STARTED

Carplus will provide targeted information, training and suggestions to interested groups. The charity will carry out as much of the preparatory work as possible and will tailor information to particular regions and individual circumstances.