Decision details

The Tunbridge Wells Co-Wheels Car Club currently has 5 cars in it’s fleet and is extremely popular, with membership and use of the car club having grown rapidly.  To ensure car club members are able to access a car as and when they need it, it is essential to add additional cars to the fleet.  The car club is managed as a concessions contract and at no cost to the Council.   S106 from developers contribution has been set aside specifically to support the expansion of the car club, as part of a mobility mix alongside public transport, walking, cycling and taxis.  With car clubs supporting air quality improvements, carbon reduction and reducing traffic impacts such as congestion and parking pressure.

RESOLVED

1.    That the expansion of the car club with additional car club spaces from 5 to 8 vehicles in Amherst Road, Goods Station Road and Warwick Road be approved, to be implemented as soon as possible in accordance with Traffic Regulation Order requirements. 

2.    The release of s106 funding specifically allocated to the expansion of the car club (as related to the Dairy Crest and Union House developments ref paragraph 3.6 and Appendix B) be approved.

3.    That it is noted by the Portfolio Holder that officers are reviewing opportunities to incorporate electric vehicles into the car club fleet, to be added as soon as the electric vehicle charging structure was in place. 

4.    That it is noted by the Portfolio Holder that officers from parking and sustainability will continue to work with the car club provider to review the car club and identify additional future suitable financially viable locations for expansion as needed and including the possible expansion into the Southborough area.

5.    That it is noted by the Portfolio Holder that the current car club concessions contract due is due to finish at the end of July 2023.  Endorsed by the Portfolio Holder, officers will being the process of procuring a new car club contract in line with the Council’s standing orders and a report will be brought to Cabinet for agreement to re-procure a new concessions contract.

Data shows that there is significant interest in the community to continue to utilise the car club.  The increase in the number of vehicles will ensure the car club remains a viable and available option for any driver in the borough.  It will also support the Council in meeting its targets relating to carbon reduction, improving air quality, easing car parking pressures, reducing congestion and enabling suitable sustainable transport choices are made. 

Delay the Expansion/Do Nothing  – Delaying or doing nothing would not address the current need for additional vehicles and would delay realising the additional benefits the increase in fleet would deliver.  Car club cars could easily be swapped out for BEV as soon as charging equipment had been installed. 

No conflicts of interest were declared by any Member who was consulted in respect of this decision.