FIONA TAKES CAR CLUB OPTION (Fiona Hall MEP)

FIONA TAKES CAR CLUB OPTION

August 20, 2007 12:00 AM

Fiona meets Paul Balmont, director of Option C at the Sands car park, Durham for her induction

Fiona joined members of the recently launched Option C Car Club as she showed her support by signing up for the scheme.

Following the launch in March this year, over 15 people have joined the initiative which offers Durham residents a greener and cheaper alternative to car ownership.

Option C is a membership scheme which allows people to book cars parked in their community for as little as half an hour on a 'pay-as-you-drive' basis. Currently the scheme has two cars available. They are located in spaces provided by the City of Durham Council at Byland Lodge and the Sands.

Fiona Hall, Liberal Democrat Member of the European Parliament for the North East, said; "The Car Club is a great scheme for me. I travel to my constituency office in Durham by train most days, but occasionally I need my car to get to appointments. By using an Option C car for these journeys, I can now get the train every day. This will allow me to reduce the miles I drive benefiting the environment, stop me having to sit in traffic jams on the commute and save me money as using the car club car now and again will be cheaper than driving my own car to and from the office."

The car club has been developed by County Durham resident Paul Balmont, 28, with the aim of offering people different options when it comes to thinking about travelling, allowing them to give up their own car, walk, cycle or use the bus and train more, while still having access to a car when they need it. Paul said; "Option C car club has got off to a great start in Durham, and we are delighted with how well it is going. Our members are reporting back with enthusiasm the benefits of joining. Not only are they saving money, but they are driving less then before. It's also great to welcome Fiona Hall MEP as a supporter and member of Option C. The way Fiona will use Option C is a great example of how the car club can work for people. It's convenient, easy to use and saves money. We think that's a pretty good combination!"

The Option C cars are fitted with technology which enables members to book them either online or by telephone. The booking process is simple and can be completed in only a couple of minutes. Members simply have to choose the date, time and length of their journey and check availability of the cars before confirming their booking.

Members are issued with their own smartcard to use instead of a key which allows access to the car at the time they have booked it. Members are then simply billed each month for the trips they have made in the car.

Paul Balmont, said; "Car clubs are an ideal alternative to owning your own car and encourage people to think about using the car less. Car club members typically see the miles they use a car for fall by 25% and their trips made by walking, cycling and public transport increase by 40%. This helps people to reduce their impact on the environment and also save money. For example members who drive less than 6,000 miles a year could typically save between £1,000 and £1,500. Or some members find by joining the scheme they can give up the second family car which allows them to make even greater savings."

Option C is a Community Interest Company operating on a not-for-private profit basis. The Company is working to create a network of car clubs across the North East, owned by their members. This is being supported by the North East Social Enterprise Partnership's INSPIRE programme which is funded through the European Equal fund.

After strong initial interest, the plans are to expand the car club across Durham, and people can make request for cars in their area, as well as finding out more information on the Car Club website www.optionc.co.uk

Fiona Hall MEP