‘A long road ahead’: could community car-sharing help UK hit climate targets?

A community-run electric car club in a Leicestershire village offers a potential model for reducing transport emissions and isolation, as the UK struggles to meet its climate targets [1]. The Tilton electric car club, launched in 2023 with funding from Motability and Harborough district council, provides two EVs for residents to hire by the hour or day for a monthly fee [1]. Organizer Miriam Stoate said the club solved access problems for residents who could no longer drive or needed an extra vehicle [1]. "You can see the difference it has made to the community," Stoate said, noting it improved transport access and fostered new friendships [1]. Transport is the UK's largest source of carbon emissions, with surface transport responsible for about 25% of the annual total [1]. While EV sales jumped 59% in April and now account for around a quarter of all car sales, experts warn current efforts are insufficient [1]. Greg Marsden, a professor of transport governance, said even if current targets are met, the UK is on course to overshoot its transport carbon budget by 15% [1]. "At the same time, it could reduce congestion and emissions, and improve the quality of people’s lives," Marsden said of broader demand-reduction strategies [1]. The UK government plans to publish new guidance to help local authorities boost car-sharing services [1].