A new community car club is being launched in Devon, providing people with access to a car without the cost and responsibility of owning one.
Devon County Council is working with a national community car club provider, Co Wheels, to introduce the scheme, initially in Exeter.
Five low-emission, hybrid vehicles will be available to book by the hour or day for use from Wednesday 18 March. They will be located at key locations across the city.
Members will use Co Wheels app for bookings, and prices will start from £7.50 per hour or £50 per day.
The first five vehicles will be located at:
- Southernhay East, Exeter, EX1 1QL
- Powderham Crescent, Exeter, EX4 6BZ
- College Road, Exeter, EX1 1TG
- Polsloe Road, Exeter, EX1 2DN
- Bartholomew Street West, Exeter, EX4 3AJ
Car clubs like Co Wheels help reduce congestion, free up valuable parking space and lower emissions by enabling more people to share fewer vehicles.
Research shows that each car club vehicle can replace up to 20 privately owned cars, encouraging residents to walk, cycle and use public transport for everyday journeys.
The scheme supports Devon County Council’s ambitions to reduce traffic and improve air quality while providing a flexible transport solution for local communities.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member with responsibility for climate change, said:
“I’m really pleased to welcome the launch of Co Wheels in Exeter. Car clubs like this give people a practical alternative to owning a car, helping to cut congestion and reduce carbon emissions at the same time.
“By making it easier to share vehicles, we can support more sustainable travel choices and take another important step towards tackling climate change while still meeting people’s everyday travel needs.”
Richard Falconer, Head of Mobility at Co Wheels, said:
“Following high demand from residents, we’re delighted to be growing the Co Wheels network in Exeter.
“Community car clubs give people the freedom of having access to a car without the cost and hassle of ownership.
“By adding five new vehicles across the city, we’re making it easier for more residents to choose a smarter and more sustainable way to travel.”
Co Wheels plans to expand the Exeter network in the future, with additional vehicles expected to be introduced as membership grows and demand increases.
To celebrate the launch, new members in Exeter can use the promo code EXETER25 when signing up to receive free standard membership (usually £5 per month) and £25 free driving credit.
Residents can find their nearest vehicle and join online at www.co-wheels.org.uk/exeter.