What is a car club?

Car clubs provide access to pay-as-you-go cars when needed, for as little or as long as is required. Users just book it, drive it and return it. If you don't use a car everyday it can prove an attractive alternative to car ownership or owning a second car.

Developing a Dorset Car Club - The Story so far

Research was conducted in July 2007 surveying 350 households in Dorchester to assess levels of interest. Following an encouraging level of response, Dorchester Car Club was set up and has proved popular. There are now 2 cars, one is called Zara (a blue Peugeot 206) and the other is called Doris (a blue Kia C'eed). Both cars are parked at Dorchester Barracks.

A steering group meets for one hour every month, all members are invited to attend.

In April 2011 the Car Club was renamed Dorset Flexi Cars and consituted as a CIC.

What are the costs?

• £3.20 an hour, capped at £24 for a 24 hour period
• Mileage is free for the first 10 miles and 24p per mile thereafter
• The annual membership fee is £60

How does it work?

1. Join - sign up to become a member and receive your SmartCard.
2. Reserve - book your timeslot using a simple on-line booking facility which will show you when the car is available. Book a short journey, a day trip or an evening out
3. Unlock - collect the car from its location and obtain the key from a secure wall mounted safe
4. Drive - If you need to fill in the car with petrol,use our fuel card at any major filling station. We ask that you leave at least quarter of a tank of petrol at the end of your journey.
5. Pay - at the end of the month you will receive an electronic invoice with a breakdown of your journeys and the cost

What are the benefits?

* Access to a car when you want it and where you need it
* No car maintenance, servicing or cleaning
* Fewer cars on the road, with one car club car potentially replacing up to 11 private cars
* New more fuel efficient cars mean less CO2 emissions and pollution
* Less cars in production means less embodied energy (the energy used in manufacturing)

If you are interested in joining Dorchester Car Club, or have any questions please contact us using the details on this page.