Imagine having access to a car when you need one, without the cost and hassle of owning it. That’s the idea behind a car club, but could it work in Dorchester?
Car clubs are a familiar sight in many towns and cities across the UK. They give members access to shared vehicles that can be booked by the hour or day, with insurance, servicing and maintenance included. Think of car clubs like Beryl Bikes, but for cars.
Vehicles are usually located in convenient places within a 5-10 minute walk of local residents. Once registered, members can simply book a car through an app, unlock it with their phone and drive away.
Car clubs are particularly useful for people who only need a car occasionally, households looking to manage with one car instead of two, or those who mainly walk, cycle or use public transport.
Dorchester Transport Action Group (DTAG) is exploring whether a car club could work locally.
DTAG needs your views
Before taking the idea any further, DTAG needs to know what local people think, and, importantly, whether they would consider using one.
Would you use a shared car for occasional shopping trips, days out or visiting friends and family? Could it help your household manage without a second car? Where would you like to see a car club vehicle located?
Whatever your view, this is your chance to help shape what happens next.
DTAG has put together a short survey to find out whether there is enough interest to explore the idea further. Every response will help build a clearer picture of what might work in Dorchester.
Could a car club work in Dorchester?
Curious to know more? Visit DTAG’s car club information page to find out how car clubs work, what they cost and how people use them.
Image taken by a DTAG member and enhanced with AI to imagine a car club vehicle at Dorchester South Station.