9: Car Clubs
Principle 7Consideration should be given to car club use on residential and non-residential developments, where proposals are likely to generate a large number of travel movements which triggers the requirement for a Transport Assessment/ Statement, or where they meet travel plan objectives. Where provided, car club parking spaces should be in a preferential location within the development, clearly labelled as such and will be expected to include electric vehicle charging points. The Council may also look for contributions to enable the establishment of a car club in settlements where there is likely to be sufficient existing or future demand to make this a sustainable option. |
9.1 Car clubs are increasingly playing a role in reducing dependence on car ownership by giving member's access to a car for essential journeys without the need to own one. It is currently estimated that for each car club car in operation, 9 private vehicles are taken off the road. Car clubs can contribute towards reducing congestion, parking problems and local pollution levels. They can also promote co-operation and avoiding social isolation and support the viability of low-car housing.
9.2 Successful operation of car clubs tends to be in areas that have higher density housing, commercial users, and there are parking restrictions with designated parking bays available. Schemes also have greater success where there is support from the relevant local council. They function efficiently through complementing other sustainable travel modes, rather than a standalone solution and an act as an incentive for households to reduce car ownership, particularly ownership of second cars.
9.3 Car clubs should be considered early in the planning process and normally in combination with the preparation of a site or company travel plan. Provision of car sharing bays should be based on forecast modal splits associated with the development. This could be based on surveys carried out as part of the travel plan process, census data, or other recognised methodologies. Developers are advised to consult with car club operators to determine the suitability and likely costs of a proposed car club and further consider how car sharing bays are expected to be managed.
9.4 Where provided, the use of parking areas for car sharing may result in a reduction of the number of parking spaces for other vehicles, which will be considered on a site by site basis.
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