Government boosts low-carbon car clubs

Date: 1/7/2010

Funding aimed at tackling congestion and promoting sustainable transport has been announced by the UK government.

Transport Minister Norman Baker revealed an additional £40,000 is being provided to support the development of car clubs, through which consumers can rent low-carbon vehicles.

More than 127,000 people are members - up from 22,000 in 2007 - and the cars are typically taken by the hour on a pay-as-you-go basis.

Mr Baker noted the vehicles tend to emit around a third less carbon dioxide than standard alternatives, while each one can account for 24 private cars being taken off the road.

And Mayor of London Boris Johnson commented: "I welcome all extra support for these cracking clubs, which are becoming indispensable to their thousands of members."

Earlier this week, Mr Johnson predicted electric vehicles will soon be a common sight on the roads of the capital as it attempts to become more sustainable.

Posted by Nick Anderson