A POPULAR car sharing club in Dorchester is set to be driven out across the county after a successful first year.

The Dorset Car Club launched its car sharing scheme in the county town last January and now has 26 signed-up members and two cars helping to reduce congestion and carbon emissions on the roads.

Organisers are now looking to roll out the project to other towns in the county, including Weymouth.

The scheme works through members paying a small annual subscription fee, allowing them to then book out the car at an hourly rate.

Dorset Car Club member Hilary Lancashire says signing up to the pilot scheme has helped her financially as well as reducing her carbon footprint.

She said: “I decided to sign up to the Dorset Car Club and sold my car knowing that I had a car on standby.

“Now, 11 months on I have used the club’s cars most months, but find myself walking, cycling or using buses and trains as well, as I rarely need to drive at all.

“This has saved me a lot of money and has lessened my carbon footprint.”

Research suggests that for every car shared by the club’s members, seven are taken off the road.

Travel plan co-ordinator for Dorset County Council Chris Hook said the Dorset Car Club, which is currently on a three-year trial, had proved more successful than predicted.

He said: “The car club in Dorchester has been a great pilot and we look forward to its growth across the county.”

Newly-appointed development officer for the Dorset Car Club Nathan Thickett is now looking at other areas to introduce the scheme.

He said: “We are currently looking into the possibility of starting a car club in Weymouth.

“We believe it is entirely possible to make this viable and help local people achieve a reliable and personal local transport solution.

“We look to any community in the area that feels they would benefit from this scheme to come forward.”

The Dorset Car Club will also be recruiting members in Dorchester today, with the club’s vehicles on display in South Street from 11am till 3pm and staff on hand to provide information.

For more information on the scheme you can also call 07794 901678 or visit www.wombatcarclub.co.uk.