Devon council celebrates UK’s most successful car sharing scheme

Carsharedevon.com has reached the milestone of attracting more than 10,000 members, making it one of the most successful public car share schemes in the country.

The free service, which allows people in Devon and across the south west to find others to share their journey, either taking turns with the driving, or giving someone a lift in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs, is commissioned by Devon County Council, in partnership with Plymouth and Torbay Councils.

Regis Fauvel joined the scheme this month to find a car share partner for his journey between Ilfracombe and Barnstaple and became the 10,000th member.

Regis said: “I am delighted to be the 10,000th member of carsharedevon.com.

“Joining was really easy, and I quickly found someone to car share with. I now not only share the cost of my trip from Ilfracombe to Barnstaple but also enjoy the company during the drive.”

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council’s Cabinet Member for Highway Management said: “One thing we do know for sure is that fuel is not getting any cheaper. For hard working families, the cost of filling up at the pumps consumes a huge part of the budget.

“Registering with the Carsharedevon scheme is free, it’s easy to use and will find others who are travelling your way to help share the fuel costs.

“It can mean saving hundreds of pounds every year as well as saving harmful carbon emissions. I would encourage everyone to go online and join for free now and start saving!”

Ali Clabburn, Managing Director of Liftshare, which provides the car sharing system, said: "Reaching 10,000 members is an outstanding achievement and demonstrates yet again how innovative and forward-thinking Devon County Council is in encouraging people to travel more sustainably.

“They work with energy and commitment to promote car-sharing as widely as possible, and as a result CarshareDevon is one of the most successful schemes in the country."

Many drivers who’ve already signed up say others could be missing out and potentially losing hundreds of pounds every year by not joining.

A simple online calculator can work out the potential savings just by entering your travel details such as mileage and the days you need to drive.

Rob Young who travels from Plymouth to Exeter said: “I've been registered with Carsharedevon since October 2011 and have shared with 6 different people. I currently share with four people all working at the University. I save on average about £10 per day when there are 2 people sharing, £13.50 with 3, £15 with 4 and £16 with a full car.  Just a shame that we can't squeeze more people in the car!

“I think it is a fantastic way of saving money and my carbon foot print with good company for the journey too. I couldn’t do the commute without car sharing as it would be too expensive."

Visit www.carsharedevon.com to sign up, or call My Devon on 0845 155 1004 for more information.