Case Study - Promoting responsible car usage

For the majority of people, the car still remains the number one preferred mode of transport, despite its obvious impact on the environment, the running costs involved and congestion issues. Challenging the deep rooted perception that the car is ‘the’ only way to get from A to B is a long-term problem. Even for those car drivers who want to do their bit to help the environment, the frustration is that they simply don’t know how to alter their lifestyle to curb their over-dependence on four wheels. 

The solution

Yorkshire Forward introduced its ‘Cars Cutting Carbon’ project to help tackle this widespread problem and encourage motorists to think more responsibly about minimising their car usage. Rather than urging drivers to abandon their cars completely, the project aimed to boost the number of car clubs operating in the region.

Car clubs help reduce car usage, because they give members quick and convenient access to a vehicle for short term hire, without the need for car ownership. For a minimal charge, those who don’t own a car can hire one for as little as an hour, giving them access to a vehicle when they need it. With the car club operator also taking care of the day-to-day hassle and cost of owning a vehicle – club members are not burdened by the financial headache of road tax, insurance and costly repairs. Research has shown that each car club car results in 23 fewer privately owned cars on the road.

To help establish more car clubs in the region, Yorkshire Forward delivered the project through a strategic partnership with Carplus – a national charity dedicated to responsible, greener car use. It worked closely with the charity and local authorities to conduct development work and fund research into identifying which areas of the region are the most suitable for car clubs. This research proved vital as car clubs are primarily successful in urban, high density residential areas where commuters are in a position to use cars less due to better public transport links.

The Outcome

Cars Cutting Carbon was instrumental in helping create the car clubs that operate in areas such as Sheffield and York and the expansion of the existing Leeds car club.  The legacy left behind by the project has led to the Yorkshire and Humber region helping to cut CO2 from car transport and increasing the number of car clubs in operation. Outside London, Yorkshire and Humber is now one of the most successful regions in the country in establishing car clubs.

A major advocate of the project is Peter Sharp, who is a member of WhizzGo, the region’s largest car club operator. Having sold his own car to become a member, Peter has saved around £1,500 a year. He commented: “As a WhizzGo member for a few years now, I use their cars to make around 2-3 journeys a week for shopping, visiting family and occasionally for business purposes.

“It deters me from making unnecessary journeys, whilst the cars provided by the service are extremely fuel efficient and economical - helping me save money and do my bit for the environment at the same time.”