Newtown will be serviced by an innovative new scheme which provides a lifeline for non-car owners.
The Newtown Car Share Club will enable member drivers to hire a pool car and pay for its usage by the mile (including fuel) or the hour depending on which is greater.
And the new service is good news for a town that is threatened by drastic cuts to health, education and security over the coming months.
“The club operates by having a car that can be used by any of the members,” said Jeremy Thorp from operators The Clean Energy Centre. “Once you are a member, all you have to do is to book when you want the car using the online calendar, collect the car from its parking space in the middle of town and then return it when finished.
“Why have an expensive asset sitting on your drive depreciating. By joining the car share club, you will save money and carbon, freeing you to use whatever transport suits your journey best, whether it is train, car, bike or foot.”
A similar care share club has proved successful in Llanidloes prompting organisers to launch it in Newtown also to look at other towns.
To join, drivers over 25 with less than six points on their licence must pay a deposit of 100 pounds to cover the insurance excess and assuming the driver does not have an accident, the money is paid back when leaving the club.
The Clean Energy Centre believes the scheme not only provides a vital service by also helps to reduce emissions. The club’s first vehicle is a two-door Puegeot 206 diesel which does 65 miles per gallon.
Charges will be 35p/mile (petrol included) or 60p/hour depending on which is greater and for more information visit
www.cleanenergycentre.org.uk.