3.2 Using cars

Despite the alternatives, some journeys will need a car. However, responsible car use can still help reduce the climate impact of such journeys. One easy option is ‘eco-driving’: adopting a more efficient driving style, keeping tyres up to pressure and planning ahead to avoid hurrying all reduce fuel use.

There are also car clubs and car-sharing schemes, which blur the boundaries between public and private transport. Car clubs do this through quick and easy short-term car hire, for instance for a big shopping trip or a journey where there is no public transport. This means that households can reduce the number of cars they own. There are a range of car clubs in the UK from small, community-based enterprises to large commercial companies. To aid the shift to more sustainable transport, partnerships can be developed between car clubs and public transport operators, to the mutual benefit of both. For example, on joining a car club, a new car club member might receive a discounted bus season ticket to encourage combining car club use with increased public transport use.

Car sharing (also known as lift sharing or ride sharing) is when two or more people share a car and travel together. One person is usually the vehicle's owner and the other(s) usually contribute towards the fuel costs. Of course, car sharing can be organised independently, but wider schemes increase the chance of matching those needing and those offering lifts. It retains the convenience of the car, while reducing the associated problems of congestion and pollution. Employers can help by providing priority parking spaces for car sharers near building entrances.

Visit the CarPlus website, which promotes responsible car use.

Activity 7

  • Visit the Car Clubs website to find your nearest car club vehicle.

  • Visit the Liftshare website to find your nearest car-sharing opportunity – you will have to register but it is free.

  • Would you consider using car clubs and/or car sharing? If not, how would they need to change for you to do so? Hint: have a look at the FAQs on the Liftshare website.

3 Individual actions: transport

3.3 Choosing a car