Sell Your Car & Get Two Years Free Membership & Credits With Streetcar

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'Car Crunch' is backed by Wandsworth Council

A local car club company is offering two years free membership and free driving ‘credit’ for people that sell their cars.  The promotion is called ‘Car Crunch’ and is being offered by Streetcar until the end of March 2009.   

Wandsworth’s cabinet member for Planning and Transport, Guy Senior, is encouraging residents to examine their finances to see if the offer is right for them:
“By trading their vehicle for a car club membership residents can slash their motoring bills.  At a time when some household budgets are being stretched by high energy prices and rising food costs these savings could make an important difference.”  

  With council backing the number of Wandsworth based car club members has doubled in the past year to 5000.  Only one other borough has achieved a higher take up.   Car club members can book a vehicle online or over the phone and pick it up from a parking bay close to their home or work. They can hire the vehicle for as little as half an hour before returning it to its spot for the next user.

Streetcar has 70 locations on private property across Wandsworth.    The company also has a contract with the council to provide car club vehicles on ten parking bays on public streets.  This arrangement makes the service accessible to more residents and is supported by Transport for London.  

The council is considering another ten on-street locations across the borough to help the service expand even further.   Cllr Senior continues:
“Saving money is only one reason we are encouraging our residents to sign up.  As well as the economic benefits, car clubs reduce congestion and cut vehicle emissions.  Members also tend to develop healthier life styles as they cutout the habit of making short trips by car - choosing instead to walk or cycle.”  

Brett Akker of Streetcar added:
"We are absolutely thrilled at the amount of Wandsworth residents who are joining up to Streetcar. Since July 2007 the numbers of members in the borough has increased every month and is showing no signs of slowing.  More people are discovering the benefits of being able to use a car whenever they want without all the costs and hassles of owning one."

What are Car Clubs? A car club provides its members with quick and easy access to a car for short term hire. Members can make use of car club vehicles as and when they need them. An example of a Car Club:

Book - for as little as half an hour at a time, using telephone or internet. The booking can be made well ahead of time or with a few minutes notice. Unlock  - cars are located at designated parking bays in the local area and accessed using the member’s smart card Drive – Once inside the driver enters a pin and drives away, returning the car at the end of the journey. It is possible to extend the booking if necessary Pay  - Pay-as-you-go charges include fuel and maintenance costs. A subscription charge is paid monthly or annually.

For details of other car clubs in south west London visit www.carclubs.org.uk

                                                   

February 4, 2009