A new community car club is set to launch in Exeter, Devon, featuring five low-emission, hybrid vehicles available for booking by the hour or day. The initiative, spearheaded by Co Wheels, aims to provide residents with a practical alternative to car ownership, helping to alleviate congestion and reduce carbon emissions.
The vehicles will be available for rental starting at £7.50 per hour or £50 per day, with the first five cars located at key sites throughout Exeter. This service is expected to replace up to 20 privately owned cars for every vehicle in the car club, promoting a more sustainable approach to transportation.
In addition to the car club launch, Ipswich Borough Council has submitted a planning application for a new multi-storey car park at Portman Road, which will feature a total of 718 spaces. This facility will include 36 Blue Badge spaces and 26 dedicated bays for electric vehicles, further supporting the shift towards greener transport options.
Construction of the multi-storey car park is anticipated to begin in late summer 2026, with completion expected by the end of 2027. This development is part of a broader strategy to enhance local infrastructure and improve air quality in the region.
Councillor Jacqi Hodgson expressed her enthusiasm for the car club, stating, “I’m really pleased to welcome the launch of Co Wheels in Exeter. Car clubs like this give people a practical alternative to owning a car, helping to cut congestion and reduce carbon emissions at the same time.”
Richard Falconer, representing Co Wheels, added, “Following high demand from residents, we’re delighted to be growing the Co Wheels network in Exeter.” This reflects the community’s increasing interest in sustainable transport solutions.
The car club initiative and the proposed multi-storey car park are both aligned with local ambitions to reduce traffic and enhance air quality, providing flexible transport solutions for residents.
As these developments unfold, officials and community members are hopeful that they will lead to a significant reduction in the number of privately owned vehicles on the roads, contributing to a cleaner environment.
Details remain unconfirmed regarding the exact locations of the car club vehicles and the timeline for the car park construction, but the plans are generating positive reactions from the community.
