'Car clubs' to boost eco-friendly travel » Environment » 24dash.com

Three new car clubs have been launched by Brent Council to encourage of people to use eco-friendly transport.

Operated by City Car Club and StreetCar, the sponsored scheme aims to reduce car ownership and help the environment, offering a way for people to share vehicles through a commercial operator any time and seven days a week.

Drivers can book a car online or by phone from £2.80 an hour and then use their member card to unlock the car and drive away.

Streetcar has opened three new branches on Springwell Avenue in Harlesden along with two in Willesden on Claire Road and Huddleston Road.

Brent Council aims to eventually provide car clubs within walking distance of all residents which will encourage membership and relieve traffic congestion and pressure on parking spaces.

Executive Member for Transportation, Councillor Daniel Brown, officially launched car clubs in the borough in April this year.

There are now six clubs offered in Queens Park, Kensal Rise, Harlesden, Willesden Green and two are operating in Willesden.

He said, "We are excited to provide such an easy and affordable way for people to get around Brent and help the environment at the same time.

"One of the car clubs we offer is already used by more than 80,000 drivers around the world. The scheme provides people with cheap transport without the fuss of owning a car."

Kuba Wieczorek, a photographer in Kensal Green, says using StreetCar has literally changed the way his family live.

"My partner can take the kids in our main car whilst I can run errands in StreetCar. It is delightfully simple to use - I book online or via the phone, my membership card opens the door and my keys are in the glovebox waiting for me.

"I can even hook my iPod in to the stereo to have all my music on tap. We were on the cusp of having to buy a second car but Streetcar has scuppered that plan!"

Costs vary from £2.80 to £4.95 for an hour and 72 per cent of London CityCarClub users have given up one or more of their privately owned vehicles or put off buying a car.

For more information about joining a car club visit www.citycarclub.co.uk or www.streetcar.co.uk or visit the transportation at www.brent.gov.uk

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