Innovations - A vehicle share scheme that cuts car use

According to a Department for Transport study, car clubs are forecast to grow tenfold in the UK over the next five years. The schemes, popular in Switzerland and Germany, offer access to affordable transport for people without cars who live in urban areas, as well as reducing car use, thus helping congestion. Streetcar, a private venture launched in April 2004, has 3,000 members regularly using 80 cars in London and around ten more at other UK sites. After paying a £25 joining fee, members are charged £35 per 24-hour weekday slot and £49.50 for each 24-hour period at weekends.