Green car club celebrates first anniversary

Manchester celebrates the first anniversary this week of a successful scheme to cut car use.

Manchester's first Pay by the Hour cars were launched in the city centre a year ago. The initiative was set up by specialist car club operator, Whizzgo, in partnership with Manchester City Council.

The scheme has proved so popular with drivers in Manchester that the council is now working with WhizzGo to double its fleet of low-emission pay-by-the-hour cars in 2008, ahead of plan.

More than 300 members have joined the car club during the first year of operation and the expansion is expected to take up to 400 cars off the road.

According to research by WhizzGo 46% of those questioned believed that owning a car is becoming unaffordable as the cost of tax, fuel, insurance and general maintenance steadily increases.

Councillor Neil Swannick, Manchester City Council's executive member for the environment, said: "We've been surprised and delighted by the enthusiastic response to the pay-by-the-hour car club over the first year. Manchester has long been known for its innovative approach to sustainable transport - from canals to trams.

"Our partnership with WhizzGo is no less ambitious in aiming to cut congestion and carbon emissions whilst providing an affordable and convenient alternative. We know that it's not only the cost of driving that concerns people. This scheme allows people who are uncomfortable about the environmental implications of owning a car on a permanent basis, to use one just when there is no alternative"

WhizzGo MD Charlotte Morton said: "Clearly, people need cars but the cost both to them and the environment is driving them towards cheaper yet no less practical alternatives. We're delighted that Manchester is leading the charge and our expansion today directly reflects the enthusiasm of our enlightened early adopters and the need for sustainable transport."

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