Car club users save an average of £2,800 annually compared with private car owners, according to a report from Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK). The organization is urging ministers to view the recent collapse of operator Zipcar UK as a "wake-up call," as its exit has dramatically altered the UK's car club landscape.
Since Zipcar's departure from the UK, 46% of the nation's car club fleet and 92% of London's fleet have disappeared. Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said: "Our latest research shows that car sharing remains incredibly popular and is of huge importance to users, offering a flexible and affordable alternative to owning a private car."
The data reveals that car club members drive significantly less and use public transport and active travel much more frequently than the average person. Users reduce their yearly mileage by an average of 2,112 miles after joining a car club, the report found.
Mr. Dilks added: "Ensuring these schemes can thrive and grow is essential for any Government serious about meeting net zero targets and reducing traffic congestion. This must serve as a wake-up call to policymakers across the UK to address these challenges and help maximise the many positive impacts car clubs have on the environment and our transport system."
Upon Zipcar's UK exit, James Taylor, General Manager of Zipcar UK, signed a message to members: "I'm writing to let you know that we are proposing to cease the UK operations of Zipcar and have today started formal consultation with our UK employees. We will temporarily suspend bookings, pending the outcome of this consultation. This means it will not be possible to make any new bookings beyond 31st December 2025, pending the outcome of the consultation. Although we propose to cease operations in the UK, your account will remain open until the final decision is made following the consultation process. This means you're still able to use Zipcars until 31st December 2025. If you would like to see what other car sharing options there are in your area, please visit the national charity for shared transport, CoMoUK's website."
