Birmingham launches new congestion-busting car share scheme

A NEW car sharing scheme has been launched in Birmingham city centre aimed at cutting congestion and easing parking problems in the main business district.

The car2go scheme allows motorists to collect and ‘drop off’ vehicles when and where needed throughout the city.

Birmingham City Council has entered into an agreement with the firm which will enable it to park 250 of its Smart city cars at council car parks throughout the city.
Motorists will be able to rent cars for 35p per mile for short trips within the city, without being tied to a limited number of pick-up or drop-off points.

The cars are specially developed for carsharing and can be rented spontaneously inside an operating area of around 50 square kilometres of Birmingham.

car2go users will have complete freedom with regard to when they start their journey and how long they keep the vehicles without a mandatory return location.

Unlike traditional carsharing schemes or car rental companies, the car2go vehicles will not be parked at fixed stations but can be located at any legal public parking space.

car2go is paying a monthly fee to the city council to cover the cost of any on-street parking and selected off-street spots operated by the city.

The scheme is specially made for short trips in urban areas. Customers will only be charged for the actual use of the vehicle, with rental periods as short as a per-minute basis.


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