SUSTAINABLE: Car rental the way forward?
Car rental can help people own fewer cars and adopt more sustainable travel habits, a major survey of UK customers has concluded.
The research, conducted by transport research body TRL for the British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA), provided insight into travel habits and motivation of 3,700 car rental customers.
Findings showed on average, rental customers are more sustainable travellers than the average licence-holder and use vehicles more efficiently.
The research builds on recent study showing the average rental car is newer, better maintained and emits less pollution per mile driven than the average private vehicle.
Norman Baker, Transport Minster, welcomed the study.
“This report shows that rental cars can encourage greater use of sustainable transport, easing congestion on our roads and cutting carbon emissions,” he said.
“When people travel, we want them to get from door-to-door with a smaller environmental footprint.
“Pay-as-you-go car use also encourages people to consider alternative forms of travel and this report shows that those using these schemes tend to walk and cycle more often, helping to improve health and quality of life.”
The BVRLA believe the findings support its call for car rental to be given greater consideration by policymakers.
Gerry Keaney, Chief Executive of the BVRLA, said: “This survey has established that car rental customers have similar travel habits to users of car clubs.
“We believe that car rental, car clubs and car sharing are part of the same family of pay-as-you-go motoring options that all contribute to a more sustainable, less intensive approach to car use, particularly in urban areas.”
Image courtesy of eutrophication&hypoxia, with thanks.
