Participants sought for car-sharing experiment

Researchers are looking for households willing to cut down on car usage

Drivers are being encouraged to take part in a car-sharing initiative to explore alternatives to private vehicle ownership in Leeds.

Researchers at the University of Leeds want to recruit up to 50 households to take part in the experiment, for three consecutive weeks throughout November.

Participants would either be asked to share a car with at least one other household, or to use a car for no more than three days a week, with both options involving cutting down on driving.

"If you've ever wondered what a world where people did not need to own their own cars might look like, we would love you to get involved," said Prof Greg Marsden, who is leading the project.

Prof Marsden said the idea of trialling alternatives to private vehicle ownership was borne out of research.

"People have told us they are really worried about the number of cars on the streets around them, but that they also value the flexibility of the car for some journeys," he said.

'Try options'

"We want people to try out some options which mean they can have the convenience of a car without the hassle of ownership."

Prof Marsden added: "If these ideas work then we really could give space back to communities for play or green space."

Participants will be paid up to £200 to take part in the experiment, which is part of a multimillion-pound research project led by the University of Leeds to encourage people in the city to design and try alternatives to private vehicle ownership.

Researchers will use the data collected to decide how the idea of cutting down on individual car ownership and usage could be improved to make it more practical.

"We don't think this particular experiment in itself is the answer, but it's a key building block," said Prof Marsden.

"What could we do with our neighbourhoods if we were able to live with fewer cars?"

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