University of Leeds Launches £7.8M Car-Sharing Trial Inviting 50 Households

In Leeds, researchers at the University of Leeds are conducting a three-week experiment inviting 30 to 50 households to explore alternatives to private car ownership through a car-sharing initiative called "Car When We Need It." Participants can either share a car within a group of households using an app or use a hire car for up to three days a week, aiming to reduce individual car usage while maintaining convenience. The project, led by Professor Greg Marsden, seeks to address concerns about the number of cars on streets and the value people place on car flexibility, while potentially freeing up community space for play or green areas. Participants will receive financial compensation for their involvement, and data collected will help refine practical alternatives to car ownership. Separately, the Calder Valley's POD car share scheme offers hybrid cars via an app, already reducing car ownership by replacing about 17 vehicles per shared car and encouraging more users to join. Both initiatives highlight community-driven approaches to reduce congestion and environmental impact by promoting shared car usage.