A car sharing scheme aimed at getting rid of some of the cars clogging up East Oxford streets is being launched today.

Residents’ group Oxcar has joined forces with national company Commonwheels and has bought two brand new cars which, along with four ‘adopted’ cars previously owned by residents, will now be available to hire by the hour.

So far about 20 people have signed up prior to the launch, with a further 50 expressing interest in joining.

Co-organiser Abi Johnson, from Hurst Street, said: “We are very excited.

“It is the first of its kind in that it is born out of an alliance between a residents group and a national car club organisation.

“That enables us to give people all the benefits of a big infrastructure and technology, together with the kind of attention to detail you can only get with local knowledge.”

Four cars will be available from today, with the other two being brought in over the next few weeks. The cars cost £2.50 to £4 an hour to hire, plus a mileage fee.

Mrs Johnson said: “We plan to develop the club in ways that best suit the community so we will be looking at things like babyseats. We might even have one car you can take animals in.

“These are the kind of details that might make it more appealing.”

She said it would also make having access to a car affordable for some people who could not afford to buy and run their own vehicle.

It is estimated each car club vehicle takes up to 11 others off the road.

Mrs Johnson said: “Sixty-seven per cent of the people we spoke to were interested in the club and of those, half thought they might use it to get rid of a car. I think it could make a real difference to the area.”

Consultation is under way on plans for residents’ parking to the area, and Oxfordshire County Council is planning to mark out designated bays for car club cars.

Oxford City Council’s east area parliament has also supported the club, granting £4,625 to pay for the technology to be installed in several of the cars. Other funding has come from Commonwheels and from fundraising by Oxcar.

They will be operated by smart card technology, with members, who pay a refundable £150 deposit, being billed online for the hours they use.

On top of the hourly rental, there is a mileage fee of 25p a mile after the first 10 miles, with lower rates for evening and night use. Fuel, insurance, tax and all other costs are included.

To join, go to commonwheels.org.uk or call 0845 4786396.

fbardsley@oxfordmail.co.uk