The report claimed that leaving councils to create their own strategies for car clubs had lead to inconsistent coverage, causing some operators to pull out of the capital.
On Monday, Zipcar – the world’s largest car-sharing company – announced they were ceasing operations in the capital. Over half a million Londoners hold Zipcar memberships, which allow drivers to access nearby cars for short hire periods.
Frustration from the Transport Committee
Elly Baker AM, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, took to X to express her annoyance: “Losing @ZipcarUK would be a massive step backwards for London.”
“We simply haven’t done enough to support car sharing as an alternative to car ownership and for occasional trips where people need a car. ”
“This is the result.”
Reiterating the recommendations put forward in April, Ms Baker said: “The fact remains that TfL is stalling progression of car clubs in London, hence, the industry is in decline.”
Reducing the capital’s congestion
The Mayor and TFL want to reduce the levels of car ownership in London, and car clubs were seen as part of the solution, alongside encouraging walking, cycling, and use of public transport.
As part of his plans to reduce congestion in the capital, the Mayor has announced that electric vehicles will now have to pay congestion charge for the first time.
From 2nd January next year, London’s electric vehicle drivers will have to pay £13.50 per day – a 25 per cent discount from the £18 congestion charge other vehicle owners will pay.
The new charge for EV vehicles is thought to be one of the reasons Zipcar have exited the capital.
London has over 550,000 Zipcar members
Londoners have taken to X to express their frustrations at Zipcar’s closure, calling on the Mayor to “sort it out”.
Another user explained: “Zipcar is such an important service in London” for people who “can’t afford or can’t have access to their own car”.
Some said they found Zipcar a cheaper alternative to car rentals, praising the “helpful” Zipcar staff, while others noted using Zipcar “when public transport wasn’t an option or wasn’t pet friendly”.
The Mayor of London was contacted for comment.
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Standfirst
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HeadlineMayor rejected warning to take action to preserve London’s car clubs
Short HeadlineMayor rejected car club action warning
StandfirstThe warning came just months before Zipcar announced it will cease operations in the capital
London Mayor Sadiq Khan rejected warnings that urgent action was needed to secure the capital’s car clubs.
The report claimed that leaving councils to create their own strategies for car clubs had lead to inconsistent coverage, causing some operators to pull out of the capital.
On Monday, Zipcar – the world’s largest car-sharing company – announced they were ceasing operations in the capital. Over half a million Londoners hold Zipcar memberships, which allow drivers to access nearby cars for short hire periods.
Frustration from the Transport Committee
Elly Baker AM, Chair of the London Assembly’s Transport Committee, took to X to express her annoyance: “Losing @ZipcarUK would be a massive step backwards for London.”
“We simply haven’t done enough to support car sharing as an alternative to car ownership and for occasional trips where people need a car. ”
“This is the result.”
Reiterating the recommendations put forward in April, Ms Baker said: “The fact remains that TfL is stalling progression of car clubs in London, hence, the industry is in decline.”
Reducing the capital’s congestion
The Mayor and TFL want to reduce the levels of car ownership in London, and car clubs were seen as part of the solution, alongside encouraging walking, cycling, and use of public transport.
As part of his plans to reduce congestion in the capital, the Mayor has announced that electric vehicles will now have to pay congestion charge for the first time.
From 2nd January next year, London’s electric vehicle drivers will have to pay £13.50 per day – a 25 per cent discount from the £18 congestion charge other vehicle owners will pay.
The new charge for EV vehicles is thought to be one of the reasons Zipcar have exited the capital.
London has over 550,000 Zipcar members
Londoners have taken to X to express their frustrations at Zipcar’s closure, calling on the Mayor to “sort it out”.
Another user explained: “Zipcar is such an important service in London” for people who “can’t afford or can’t have access to their own car”.
Some said they found Zipcar a cheaper alternative to car rentals, praising the “helpful” Zipcar staff, while others noted using Zipcar “when public transport wasn’t an option or wasn’t pet friendly”.
London stations are exhibiting their seasonal Christmas tree, which has raised questions of whether these displays are festive celebrations or clever pieces of brand promotion.
