Car clubs
Car clubs offer an alternative model to private car ownership for individuals and businesses. They reduce the need for private parking and can help more Londoners give up their cars while allowing for occasional car travel within London.
London has many car clubs, ranging from traditional 'back-to-base' returnable models to flexible one-way models, with dedicated parking bays and areas.
Unlock a car using your smartcard or smartphone
What are the benefits of car clubs?
- Sustainable travel behaviours. Car clubs have the potential to reduce car ownership, inspiring a shift away from private car use to walking, cycling and public transport instead.
- Benefits for businesses. Car clubs can help businesses and charities access the cleanest vans and cars, save money and reduce emissions.
- Aiding the transition to electric vehicles. Many car clubs now operate electric or hybrid vehicles capable of operating with zero emissions.
- Environmental and safety benefits. By encouraging people to transition to cleaner vehicles with the highest safety rating, car clubs can improve air quality and reduce the risk of collisions.
Car clubs toolkit for local authorities
The Government has published a toolkit for local authorities/boroughs to help explain the benefits of car clubs and support their procurement, introduction and operation. You can find the toolkit at the GOV.UK website.
Car sharing representative groups
Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) is the national charity for the social, economic and environmental benefits of shared transport, including car clubs. It publishes annual research on car clubs and their users as well as offering a range of services to public authorities and a map showing car club cars, including those in London. It also provides an accreditation scheme for car club operators and works across shared cycles, e-scooters, lift-sharing and Digital Demand Responsive Transport services.
The British Vehicle Rental & Leasing Association (BVRLA) represents over 1,000 companies engaged in vehicle rental, leasing and fleet management.
