Car Sharing

Car sharing is when two or more people share a car and travel together. It allows people to benefit from the convenience of the car, whilst alleviating the associated problems of congestion and pollution. It also allows people to share the costs.

The Benefits of Sharing Vehicles

• Reduce the number of cars on the roads – less congestion, less pollution, reduction in GHG emissions and fewer parking problems.
• Save money – travelling with others can save up to £1000 a year on transport costs
• Provide a real solution to the transport access problems of rural areas.
• Give employees and employers more transport options.
• Reduce the need for private car ownership.

More CO2 comes from our car travel than from any other kind of UK transport. Together we can begin to make a difference by driving 5 miles less a week. (An average commuter drives 12 miles a day. Cutting that by half through car sharing saves around 400kg of CO2 over one year, or about 170 litres of petrol)
Car Sharing for Individuals.

You can share a car for any journey. You can offer lifts if you have spare seats in your car or look for a lift if you don’t have a car. Even if you don’t drive you can still car share, as 60 per cent of car drivers would be willing to share a car to work if there was someone suitable to travel with.

Car Sharing and Public Transport
Car sharing and other sustainable travel options such as walking, cycling and public transport are complementary to one another. Many of us have to travel to get to a bus stop. By offering a package of solutions more people are likely to benefit. It also ensures other modes are not undermined financially and that less carbon intensive travel is always the first choice where available.

What are the costs of car sharing?
Evidence suggests that passengers pay the driver 10p per mile each. Alternatively drivers and passengers can split the cost of petrol. Please note that drivers should not make a profit from car-sharing as this can invalidate their insurance. As a basic figure we advise that drivers receive no more than 40p per mile from passengers, but if you have any concerns please contact your insurance company directly.

What are the insurance implications of car sharing?
The Association of British Insurers clearly states that car-sharing won’t affect the insurance of their members so long as a profit isn’t made. Drivers with any concerns should check with their insurance company as terms and conditions may vary between insurance providers over time.

How safe is car sharing?
The safety of our community is a priority. When it comes to travelling, everyone is responsible for his or her own safety. However we do recommend some simple security measures outlined below:

• Avoid exchanging home addresses with your travelling companion before you meet them.
• Arrange to meet in a public place.
• Inform a friend or family member who you will be travelling with, when and to where.
• Make sure you show each other your I.D.s – passports, student cards or driving licences – so you know you’re travelling with the right person.
• You are under no obligation to go ahead with any liftshare. If you have any doubts about your travelling companion, for any reason, you should avoid travelling with them.

How do I car share?
Go online to www.cowalcarshare.co.uk - it’s really easy and straightforward to regsister and you’ll be emailed when a journey that matches your criteria is available. It also means you can check regularly online for future journeys and plan your trips ahead of time!