[27
APR 00] EARLSDON SUSTAINABLE TRANSPORT ASSOCIATION NEWS
Pioneering Car Club In First Gear
People
trying to set up a car club to reduce the numbers of vehicles on
Coventry’s streets say they have had an amazing response to their
plans.
A
leaflet campaign in Earlsdon has revealed that more than 50 households
were interested in the scheme.
Members
of Earlsdon Sustainable Transport Association (ESTA), who are
organising the club, said they did not expect such interest.
The
club will work by having shared ownership of cars stored in easily
accessible places in Earlsdon.
Drivers
will pay a membership fee and for the usage of the car. They will not
need to worry about maintenance or finding their own insurance.
Data
collected by ESTA has revealed that most people are looking for a
reasonably priced and efficient way to gain access to a reliable car
for their household.
In
some cases this will mean households getting rid of second cars in
favour of sharing. The main environmental impact will be less locally
owned cars looking for a parking space in Earlsdon.
ESTA
secretary and founder Jo Rathbone said:
"The
target to launch the Club is around 20 households joining, and it
looks like we may surpass that completely"
Details
are being finalised, but it is likely that the car club will launch
this summer.
New
cars will be provided by Vauxhall, and the day-to-day running and
booking system will be run by Smart Moves Ltd, based in Coventry
University's Technocentre.
The
phone booking system will eventually operate 24 hours a day, and will
enable club members to gain access to a vehicle for a very small
hourly fee, at short notice.
An
internet booking system will also be available by autumn this year.
ESTA
will be at the Earlsdon Festival on Monday 1 May, and the Godiva
Festival on 10 and 11 June.
Anybody
interested can visit ESTA at these events, or call Jo Rathbone on 024
7667 8735.
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