DEVON residents are being asked to take part in a study for an innovative transport scheme which could save them money and reduce carbon emissions. Carplus, the national charity that promotes responsible car use, has been asked by Devon County Council to examine the potential of developing car clubs in Barnstaple and Newton Abbot. Car clubs provide members with quick and easy access to locally-based vehicles, providing the use of a car without needing to own one. This frees members from the high costs of running a private car and allows members to choose other means of travel, rather than always using a car. Cllr Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council executive member for the environment, said: 'The car clubs are another inventive way of reducing the volume of vehicles on Devon's roads. 'Allowing people occasional use of a car can help those who cannot otherwise afford the running costs or may not always be able to access public transport. I'm sure a lot of people will respond to the survey to show their interest." As part of the project, Carplus will be carrying out a postal survey to assess interest within the towns. The survey will also be available online for residents in other parts of the county. The online survey, along with further information about car clubs, can be found on the Carplus website http://www.carplus.org.uk">www.carplus.org.uk. Philip Igoe, Carplus co-director, said: 'Car clubs are a proven way of addressing some of the more difficult problems, such as cost, pollution and congestion, associated with car use. 'They help individuals and businesses make appropriate travel choices without pressure from outside authorities. They offer the benefits of a car without the hassles.' Car clubs already run successfully in other parts of the county. The Moor Car service launched on south Dartmoor in 2002 as part of the Carplus Rural Programme and Co-Cars Ltd also operates vehicles in Exeter and Topsham as a not-for-profit social enterprise.
