Locations found for car club

TRANSPORT experts have identified two locations in Cork city for the country’s first car sharing clubs, a conference was told yesterday.

A detailed feasibility study has shown that despite its relatively small population, the city could sustain the pay-as-you-go driving system close to City Hall and University College Cork (UCC).

The system already operates in several large European and British cities.

Conference delegates were told that the insurance issues which forced the closure of a car sharing club in Dublin 10 years ago have been resolved.

If successful in Cork, other Irish cities could introduce the system which gives members access to a car without the hassle or expense of owning one. Members only pay for the kilometres they drive.

Michael Glotz-Richter, one of Europe’s leading transport experts, said integrating an Irish system with existing public transport systems is crucial to ensure its success.

And with city parking becoming a “hot political issue”, he said support from central government is also critical.