Community car club comes to Horsham

The Toyota Aygo and Toyota Yaris Hybrid will be available for members of Co-wheels Car Club to rent, with prices starting from £3.75 per hour or £17.50 per day.

Paula Ruoff, development coordinator for Co-wheels Car Club, said: “I think it will bring additional transport options for people, and the chance to get around and be independent.

“It is cheaper than owning your own car and you only need to have had a valid licence for 12 months, so young drivers can join.

“The average car only moves for five per cent of its lifetime, otherwise it is sitting on a drive. Ninety five per cent of its lifetime it could be used by someone else, so we try to make that better.”

Club members are given a smart card, which is used to unlock the car and access the key.

Co-wheels owns around 300 cars nationally in more than 40 locations. Membership is valid nationwide.

Both cars will be located in parking spaces in Horsham town centre, though the exact locations had not been confirmed before the County Times went to press.

A third car will be added to the Horsham network later this year.

A West Sussex County Council spokesperson said: “Through the Local Sustainable Transport Fund programme we are providing real alternatives to car use and car ownership by improving facilities for public transport, walking and cycling.

“But we also recognise that for some people and for some journeys access to a car is necessary.

“People who drive less than 8000 miles a year will generally find that joining the car club will be cheaper than the cost of owning and running a car.

“The low hourly charge and mileage cost also makes it ideal for young drivers, who have held a full driving licence for over a year, giving them the benefits and experience of driving without the high costs.”

The club is currently running a promotional offer allowing customers to join for free and save £25. For more information, visit www.co-wheels.org.uk/Horsham