Pay‑as‑you‑go car club to launch in city

A community car club is launching in Exeter this month, providing people with access to the use of a car without the cost of owning one.

Devon County Council worked with national provider Co Wheels to introduce the pay-as-you-go scheme, with five low‑emission hybrid cars across the city from Wednesday.

The vehicles will be parked in Southernhay East, Powderham Crescent, College Road, Polsloe Road and Bartholomew Street West, and members will be able to book them through the firm's app.

Green Party councillor Jacqi Hodgson, the council's cabinet member for climate change, said it was a "practical alternative" that was "helping to cut congestion and reduce carbon emissions at the same time".

The council said the pay‑as‑you‑go option may appeal to people who need a car occasionally but want to avoid insurance, maintenance and rising fuel costs with prices from £7.50 per hour or £50 per day.

The council said the scheme, being introduced "initially in Exeter", would help cut traffic, improve air quality and free up space on crowded streets.

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