Car sharing saves cash and the planet

As part of its long-standing commitment to making the county a greener place to live in, Herefordshire Council is urging people to consider car sharing which not only saves money but also reduces congestion and cuts pollution.

The council's Steps to Sustainability campaign aims to get everyone in the county to think about the impact their activities, such as driving, have on the environment and car sharing is one way to reduce both congestion and pollution.

Herefordshire Council accepts that in rural counties such as ours, many people have to drive to go to work, college or to go out with friends to the cinema or a football match.

With the soaring costs of petrol, however, journeys are getting more and more expensive. Car sharing could significantly cut the costs of your journeys, both in terms of money and the environment.

For example, by sharing their car journeys someone making a 30-mile round trip every weekday could save well over £400 a year in petrol costs alone, not to mention reduced wear and tear on their vehicle and parking costs.
(Based on 7,200 miles a year at 40mph with fuel costing £1.05 per litre)

Launched in June 2004 by Herefordshire Council, http://www.twoshare.co.uk/ is a free service that enables to share car journeys so they can save money and reduce congestion. It isn't just for drivers - non- drivers can also register their journeys and look to find a suitable lift.

Figures show 80 per cent of people who commute to work do so on their own. However, most of these commuters will notice the same cars making the same journey every day.

twoshare matches people who travel on the same routes so they can share. There are no rigid rules on how to share. Two or more drivers could agree to drive alternate days or weeks. Some people, who need their car for work during the day might offer lifts while others, without cars, might be looking to find a lift. Sharing can be daily or weekly, regular or occasional, whatever works best for the individuals concerned.

The map of current twoshare members shows that, wherever you live, there is a good chance of finding someone to share your journey with. Most journeys to work converge on larger towns and cities where the majority of people work.

So, if you don't find a share from your start-point, there is every likelihood that you will find a match along the way. There are already many members who commute along the main 'A' roads into Hereford, many from the neighbouring counties of Worcestershire, Powys, Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire.

Car sharing saves cash and the planet ctd

Many people living in rural areas do not have access to cars which can make attending college or getting to work very difficult. For these people, http://www.twoshare.co.uk/ can offer a lifeline.

John, a student in Hereford, said: "As I am not old enough to drive yet, I was concerned about getting to college on time because there are not many buses where I live.

"Then I heard about car sharing and was able to get a regular lift with someone who drives past my home on their way to work. I contribute to petrol costs and my sharer even travels the same route some evenings so I am able to meet up with friends then as well," he added.

Even if you feel regular car sharing is not for you it can still be worth registering at http://www.twoshare.co.uk/ Then, if one morning your car won't start, you might already know someone who might be able to give you a lift.

http://www.twoshare.co.uk/ is free to anyone who lives or works in Herefordshire. Just register your journeys and search the site to show any possible matches. If you find a suitable match, make contact and choose a public place to meet up and discuss how sharing could work for you. If you feel comfortable, give it a try. If you are not sure, you don't have to commit to anything, Just try another possible match from your list.

To find out more about car sharing log onto http://www.twoshare.co.uk/ or call 08700 111199.

For more information on the 'Steps to Sustainability' campaign contact: the Sustainability Unit on 01432 261930 or email gem@herefordshire.gov.uk