Carshare Devon nears 11,000 members

Carsharedevon.com is nearing 11,000 members following the latest drive to get more motorists to join the scheme.

More than 450 people signed up to the UK’s most successful car sharing scheme between January and March this year, bringing the scheme membership to just over 10,900.

Among them was Lauren Perkins from Paignton, who is the lucky winner of the latest Carsharedevon.com ‘Win a Tank of Fuel’ campaign.

Lauren lives in Preston, Paignton, and car shares with Iain, who lives in Brixham. Because Lauren’s car is the most economical for fuel, Iain leaves his car on her drive and then contributes to her fuel costs. Lauren drops Iain in Exeter before carrying onto Sowton, and after work Iain catches the Park and Ride bus to Sowton to meet her.

Lauren says: "With a round trip of about 60 miles a day I save about £30 a week by car sharing so it really works for me. It’s also great to have some company for the journey."

Carsharedevon.com, which recently celebrated its 11th anniversary, is a free service which allows people in Devon and across the south west to find others to share their journey, either taking turns with the driving, or giving someone a lift in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs. It is commissioned by Devon County Council, in partnership with Plymouth and Torbay Councils.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Carsharedevon.com is continuing to attract more and more members, which obviously increases the chances of finding a match and sharing their journey to work. With the cost of fuel staying high, people who have found someone to share their commute through Carsharedevon.com are making significant savings on the cost of fuel. With more than 10,900 members it’s the best way to find others who are regularly making the same journey who could share the cost. The website is easy to use and features a simple online calculator to work out how much you could save, just by entering the details of your journey such as mileage and how often you drive.”

To sign up or for more information visit www.carsharedevon.com