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Launch of Lewes Car Club

On 10 Aug 2010 at 10:20pm Poppy Cock wrote:

The official launch of the Lewes car club will take place next Friday 13th August, 2.00pm at the Market Tower in Lewes.
We want to improve air quality in the town centre and would like residents and staff who only need to use a car occasionally to think about joining our new community car club.
In partnership with Commonwheels, we will provide 2 Ford Fiesta econetic cars, which can be accessed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by members of the scheme.
There is a one off joining fee of £25 with no annual membership fee. You will be able to book a car over the phone or through the website for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time.
The vehicles will be located in dedicated off street car park spaces (Pinwell Rd and East St). The cars will be available following the launch next Friday.
As a member, you only pay for what you use. Each time you drive the car, you pay an hourly rate for the duration of the trip, and a small mileage fee. This covers everything, so you need never worry about fuel, insurance, MOTs,
tax or maintenance costs again.
For more information go to www.commonwheels.org.uk Contact: John Nicklin, Senior pollution Officer, 01273 484365
[email protected]

On 11 Aug 2010 at 12:42am Webbo wrote:

Great idea, what's the hourly rate?

On 11 Aug 2010 at 9:09am John wrote:

Eight Hundred and fifty pounds, though that's for the Lamborginni.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 9:28am Slightly Cynical wrote:

Sounds a good idea if it works, but what if 3 members need to use a car at the same time? If you cannot guarantee access to one of the cars when you need it, then it isn't a reliable alternative to running your own car.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 9:52am Perovskia wrote:

I've heard of this scheme before....mmmm....yes TAXIS!

On 11 Aug 2010 at 10:48am Hoodie Hugger wrote:

Slightly Cynical:
I think the idea is to plan ahead and book early. But I agree, not much good for any last minute dashes, which do happen from time to time.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 10:53am Down and Out wrote:

Slightly C - agreed. I think these things only work where there are enough people to justify enough cars to make it flexible. It's good enough in Brighton but I can't see it catching on here. Personally I could do without a car if it wasn't for trips out of town to see family etc, but in that event these cars are always too small for family trips and too expensive to take out for more than a couple of hours, so I end up owning a car.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 1:44pm sashimi wrote:

I believe these schemes are a good way of taking a lot of second cars off the street. There is also some 'planning gain' money available for start up costs from town centre 'car free' developments. If it works, it'll reduce the pressure on car parking as well. Let's give it a try.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 4:24pm Glad it aint my idea wrote:

Not worked terribly well in Brighton (City car club) so it has no hope in Lewes in my opinion. Bus, train or taxi for short journeys or regular rental companies with no ties for longer journeys. You can hire a car for around £35 a day just about anywhere.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 8:11pm Boris wrote:

I for one will be contacting John Nicklin ( pollution officer) and telling to stop polluting our forum with crap ideas like this.
What the hell is a Ford Fiesta?

On 11 Aug 2010 at 8:16pm frankiesgirl wrote:

I think it just might work, lets give it a go at least.

On 11 Aug 2010 at 8:47pm SHS wrote:

That's about £35(*) to go to Ringmer for the afternoon. Bus or taxi much cheaper. I guess all the charges are to make the venture 'sustainable'.
(*) Based on using the car 5 time a year (=�5 time), doing a round trip of 20 miles but staying at the destination for a hour or two to see friends/family/get pissed.