Waltham Forest Council is currently considering the scope for introducing a number of car clubs within the borough and would like to know your views.

What are car clubs?

Car clubs provide access to pay-as-you-go cars when needed, for as little or as long as is required. Users just book it, drive it and return it.

How do they work?

Most people aged 19 and over who have held a full driving licence for at least 12 months are eligible to join a car club.
     

Car club designated bay
  • Join with a car club operator and receive a smart card
  • Book a car online or by phone
  • Unlock a car, parked at a designated bay, using your smart card
  • Drive for as long as you’ve booked it for
  • Return the car to its designated parking bay when finished
  • Pay-as-you-go, with payment taken from your account

What are the benefits?

  • Access to a car when you want it and where you need it
  • Costs around £5 per hour, including at least 30 miles worth of petrol per day
  • Cheaper than owning own car for some users
  • No car maintenance, servicing or cleaning
  • Fewer cars on the road, with one car club car potentially replacing up to 20 private cars
  • New, more fuel efficient cars mean less CO² emissions and pollution

How much does it cost?

For use of a car you will be charged:

  • An annual fee or deposit depending on operator
  • Around £5 per hour, with discounts for longer periods
  • Included in the cost is insurance, maintenance, cleaning and 30 miles of petrol per day
  • Around 25p for each additional mile after 30 miles

Are there any existing car clubs in the borough?

There are currently two car clubs in the borough, both operated by Streetcar. The first is based at Alpha Business Park, South Grove, Walthamstow and the second is based at Cairo Road, Walthamstow.

What are the next steps?

If you think you would be interested in using car clubs, either as a resident or as a business, please email your street name or any other location that you would like to see a car club or write to Transport Planning, Sycamore House, Waltham Forest Town Hall, Forest Road, E17 4JF.

Useful links

  • Streetcar - operator of existing car club in Alpha Business Park
  • Carplus - national charity promoting responsible car use

Contact us

Sustainable Communities
Environment and Regeneration
Waltham Forest Council
Sycamore House
Forest Road
London E17 4JF
tel 020 8496 3000
email wfdirect@walthamforest.gov.uk