Car clubs return to Southwark with new partnerships

July 1, 2026

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

Southwark Council has announced the return of car clubs to the borough through new partnerships with car hire companies HiyaCar, Enterprise, and Co-wheels.

This initiative aims to provide transport options for residents who do not own a car, which accounts for approximately 60 per cent of households in Southwark. The shared vehicles are intended to support occasional car users while contributing to a reduction in overall car ownership, traffic congestion, and air pollution.

Hiyacar is introducing an initial 10 vehicles, Enterprise will provide 15, and Co-wheels will offer 5, with cars to be located in designated bays spanning areas from London Bridge to Dulwich. This marks a revival of car club services in Southwark, following the cessation of Zipcar's UK operations in January. The council has offered free parking spaces to car clubs as a recognition of the benefits they offer to local residents.

Councillor James McAsh, Leader of Southwark Council, stated his delight at welcoming car clubs back, highlighting their positive impact on residents by helping to decrease demand for private vehicle ownership. He added that car clubs contribute to reducing pollution, saving money for individuals, and fostering a more pleasant environment for walking, cycling, and other forms of active travel, aligning with the council's "Streets for People" plan. The council plans to monitor demand during this initial phase and may consider expanding the number of vehicles available as the service becomes more established.

Residents can find more information and sign up via the respective company websites: http://www.hiyacar.co.uk, http://www.enterprisecarclub.co.uk, and http://www.co-wheels.org.uk.

Council Funding and Context

The introduction of these car clubs is supported by Southwark Council's commitment to sustainable transport initiatives. While specific funding sources for this particular scheme were not detailed in the provided information, councils often utilise a combination of revenue streams for such projects. These can include general funds, grants from national bodies, or contributions from developer contributions, such as Section 106 agreements or Community Infrastructure Levy (CIL) funds, which are often earmarked for infrastructure and environmental improvements. The council's decision to offer free parking spaces represents a direct subsidy, acknowledging the public service benefits of car clubs.

Wider Context of Car Ownership and Air Quality in London

Nationally, car ownership has seen fluctuations, with a general trend towards increased car use over recent decades, although this is increasingly being challenged by environmental concerns and the promotion of active travel and public transport. In London, the average household car ownership rate is lower than in many other parts of the UK, with a significant proportion of residents relying on public transport. However, boroughs like Southwark, with high population density and a commitment to reducing emissions, are actively seeking alternatives to private car use. The latest available data from the Department for Transport indicates that while car dependency remains a challenge, cities are increasingly implementing policies to encourage modal shift. Air quality remains a critical issue across London, with initiatives like the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) and local council schemes aiming to mitigate the impact of vehicle emissions on public health. The return of car clubs in Southwark aligns with these broader efforts to create healthier urban environments.

Author

South London News On Your Doorstep Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

From Town Hall decisions to resident-led reports, the South London News On Your Doorstep Desk offers comprehensive coverage of the issues that matter to your street. Our editorial staff provide critical updates on local planning, council services, and neighbourhood initiatives, ensuring our readers never miss a change to their local area.

Every report is produced under the rigorous oversight of a leadership team with decades of experience at Yahoo UK, Metro, and the Daily Mail. By bridging the gap between local grievances and council accountability, our desk upholds the highest standards of journalistic integrity to provide an accurate, human-led perspective on the stories driving South East London today.