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Print articleCar Clubs are being gradually expanded into Brent through council sponsorship to reduce car ownership and help the environment. It offers a way for people to share cars through a commercial operator any time and seven days a week.
The new StreetCar clubs have opened on Springwell Avenue in Harlesden along with two in Willesden on Claire Road and Huddleston Road.
Brent Council aims to eventually provide car clubs within walking distance of residents which will encourage membership and relieve traffic congestion and pressure on parking spaces.
Cabinet Member for Transportation, Daniel Brown, officially launched car clubs in the borough in April this year. There are now six clubs offered in Queens Park, Kensal Rise, Harlesden, Willesden Green and two are operating in Willesden.
He said: ?We are excited to provide such an easy and affordable way for people to get around Brent and help the environment at the same time. Just one of the clubs we will provide is already used by more than 80,000 drivers in some of the world?s busiest cities, providing people with cheap transport without the fuss of owning a car.?
Kuba Wieczorek, a photographer in Kensal Green, says having Street Car has literally changed the way his family live.
?My partner can take the kids in our main car whilst I can run errands in Streetcar. It is delightfully simple to use - I book online or via the phone, my membership card opens the door and my keys are in the glovebox waiting for me. I can even hook my iPod in to the stereo to have all my music on tap. We were on the cusp of having to buy a second car but Streetcar has scuppered that plan!?
Costs vary from ?2.80 to ?4.95 for an hour and are currently provided by two operators; City Car Club and Streetcar.
In London alone 72 per cent of London CityCarClub users have given up one or more of their privately owned vehicles or put off buying a car. Many of the cars that are operated by the clubs are hybrid cars, so it not only saves your pocket but the environment too.
