Resource for coordinated approach to car club policy

London Councils is launching a new online resource to support borough collaboration on car clubs policy.

London Councils is the umbrella body for local government in the capital and will host the resource on its website. It will be used by borough officers, car club operators and other users to access relevant sources of information.

There are currently six car clubs in London, estimated to have more than 400,000 members across the capital.

Boroughs believe car clubs have an important role to play in reducing private car ownership, but they must fit into London’s broader strategy of encouraging behaviour change and promoting more active and sustainable transport. 

Cllr Julian Bell, Chair of London Councils’ Transport & Environment Committee, said: “Car dependency in the capital means more congestion, more air pollution, more carbon emissions, and more damage to Londoners’ health. Boroughs are determined to make people think twice before using their cars for non-essential journeys and to encourage increased use of active and sustainable transport.

“Car clubs can play an important role in changing behaviour. We’re keen to support car clubs where they help to reduce the total number of vehicles on the road and facilitate use of less-polluting vehicles. However, car clubs don’t work everywhere and need to fit into our overall strategy for greener travel options such as walking, cycling, and public transport.

“Through improving data sharing with each other and closer collaboration, including with TfL and the car club sector, boroughs are developing a coordinated approach that will help achieve this.”

Christina Calderato, Transport for London’s Head of Transport Strategy and Planning, said: “As London continues to grow, we need to make sure we’re using our street space as efficiently as possible, encouraging walking, cycling and public transport and reducing car use.

“Car clubs can provide an alternative to car ownership for occasional and essential car trips. We therefore support car clubs in the capital, which can have benefits when paired with other measures to reduce car dependency.”