Julie Bladon from Co-cars explains the benefits of using the pay as you go car club.
We provide you with the freedom from the cost of owning a car. We look after the car and you just drive it. You get car access when you want it and only pay when you use it. We pay for the fuel, tax, the insurance, the maintenance, 24/7 emergency cover, and you just pay a simple hourly charge and mileage rate.
Part-funded by North Devon and Devon County Councils, and the Department for Transport through CarPlus, Co-cars offers its cars for hire to members by the hour, 24/7 with pick-up and return to the specially-reserved parking bays in the Civic Centre Barnstaple and at the North Devon Homes site at Whiddon Down.
The new car at Whiddon Valley, situated in a marked car bay, is targeted at both business and residential users. Business members gain all the convenience of operating a fleet of cars but without the fixed costs, depreciation and hassle. Bookings can be made 24/7 online or on your phone and Co-cars deals with all of the admin. Businesses can enjoy the flexibility and cost savings of a car club.
It will also appeal to North Devon tourism businesses whose clients arrive by public transport, but who would value occasional access to a car in order to explore the region. Co-cars offers plenty of choice and flexibility.
Residential members can also achieve cost savings and membership particularly appeals to those that occasionally require access to a car or need the back up of a second car. With full access to cars 24/7, comprehensive insurance, comprehensive break down cover, a fuel card to cover fuel purchases members can save up to £3,500 a year!
Membership has steadily increased in Barnstaple since the launch in June and Co-cars is keen to encourage a wider membership to enable more North Devon businesses and residents to access the convenience of a car sharing club.
Mark Hodgson, Co-Cars Managing Director said, ‘We are extremely pleased with the take up in Barnstaple. The residents of North Devon are enjoying the convenience of car club membership. We are currently running a mileage offer at 15p per mile (standard rate normally 23p per mile) so members that join today can have instant access to this promotion. Hopefully we will see an increase in membership sign ups in Whiddon Valley.”
We also have cars in Exeter, Topsham, Taunton, Dorchester, Weymouth and Blandford Forum available for use by our North Devon members. To find out more, or to apply for membership, please refer to the Co-cars website www.co-cars.co.uk, call 0345 345 2544 or email drive@co-cars.co.uk. Alternatively you can contact Donna Sibley, Co-cars Barnstaple Development Worker, 0781 425 8818 or email donna@co-cars.co.uk.
Future Developments
Co-cars are celebrating with two BIG funding announcements; CarPlus and local leaders have identified funding support so we can add 8 new cars to the SW fleet. This funding announcement will see Co-cars expand further with new cars available at GWR train stations that include Plymouth, Newton Abbot, Falmouth & Truro. Designated Co-cars bays will be sited in these towns too.
Department for Transport confirms its commitment to contribute funds for Co-bikes, bringing E-bikes initially to the city of Exeter in 2016. Co-cars membership will give you access to hire ultra-cool, battery-assisted e-bikes by the hour, from dedicated hubs including; Exeter St David’s railway station, central Exeter, the University of Exeter, Science Park, Devon County Hall, Digby & Sowton and Dawlish Warren. The roll out sees over 20 bikes, more will be added as the scheme grows. All you’ll need to SMART travel anywhere in SW is to be a Co-cars member! To find out more about Co-bikes click here > http://www.co-cars.co.uk/co-bikes/
