Pay-as-you-go cars need more drivers

11:52am Sunday 3rd February 2008

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By David Paine »

A PAY-as-you-go car scheme to reduce congestion on Worcester's roads has had limited success two months after being launched.

Car club operators WhizzGo said a lot of businesses within the city are looking at becoming a part of the eco-friendly initiative, but the number of residents expressing an interest is much lower than the company expected.

However, a recruitment drive is now taking place on the city's streets with members of WhizzGo talking to people about the benefits of getting rid of their cars and joining the scheme supported by Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council.

Two more cars are also set to become available to members on top of the five small-engined vehicles that are already in operation.

Marketing executive Claire Smethurst said: "WhizzGo has received a very positive response in the city from both its residents and businesses and member take-up is steadily increasing.

"Our pay-by-the-hour cars reduce emissions and as the membership base grows in 2008 the number of people selling their privately owned vehicles will increase, helping ease the congestion problems in the city."

County councillor Derek Prodger, cabinet member for environment, said: "Delivering Whizzgo cars to Worcester has provided Worcester residents with greater transport choice and potential cost savings by removing the need for some car ownership. Pay-by-the-hour car hire is a real opportunity for Worcester to be at the forefront of transportation in the UK and I urge residents to consider Whizzgo cars as an important contribution to Worcester's evolving transport needs."

The car club scheme has been successful in larger cities around the country but Worcester is the smallest place it has been tested.

The marked WhizzGo cars already in operation in Worcester are in the car parks at the Cattle Market, Pitchcroft, Swanpool Walk, Tallow Hill and St Martin's Gate at a cost of £6,060 a year to the city council because of lost revenue from motorists who cannot park in the designated bays.

Despite a slow start, WhizzGo is increasing its pool of cars in the city from five to seven in March. One of the two new vehicles, both of which will be stationed at County Hall, will be a people carrier aimed at families wanting to make day trips or weekend breaks.

WhizzGo cars are available to anyone aged 18 above who holds a valid UK driving licence. People interested can sign up online or by phone after paying a joining fee of £25 and £125 for a one-off insurance deposit.

Cars are booked through the internet or by phone and notice to hire a car can be given weeks in advance or a minute before a vehicle is needed.

Each car, accessed using a smart card and PIN, is provided with a fuel card which can be presented as payment once the car has been filled up.

For more details or to join the scheme call WhizzGo on 08704 466000 or visit www.whizzgo. co.uk