Drop the Car and Embrace the Club
According to a new study by Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK), the need of every household to own a personal car might be numbered. The report highlights a significant rise in car club memberships, with a massive 113% increase compared to 2019. People are more willing to hire a car rather than owning one!
What's Driving the Change?
Several factors are fueling this trend:
- Cost Savings: The study suggests car club users can significantly save compared to car ownership. CoMoUK estimates a potential saving of £5,600 per year when switching to a car club vehicle.
- Environmental Benefits: Sustainability is a major motivator. Car club fleets tend to be newer and more eco-friendly, ensuring compliance with low-emission zones.
- Flexibility: Car club membership provides access to a car only when needed, eliminating the hassle of maintenance, parking, and insurance.
A Cultural Shift
The study found car club users are more likely to embrace active lifestyles like walking and cycling for everyday commutes, highlighting their reliance on car services for occasional use!
The CoMoUK study suggests that each car club membership effectively replaces 26 privately owned vehicles. According to the report, this translates to freeing up a significant amount of urban space - the equivalent of Hyde Park in London! Reduced traffic congestion and increased use of public services are further benefits for cities.
Car Clubs to achieve net-zero emission target
CoMoUK is urging the government to acknowledge the potential of car clubs in achieving net-zero emissions targets. "Encouraging this cultural shift is becoming all the more important," says Richard Dilks, CoMoUK Chief Executive, "if the UK is to accelerate the transition to net zero and meet its climate change targets."
The surging popularity of car clubs suggests a future where car ownership becomes less of a necessity and more of an occasional choice. This shift is already benefiting individuals by saving money and it is reducing environmental impact and creating a more sustainable and efficient transportation landscape for cities.
Join us and make a difference
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