Car sharing
Sometimes driving is the only option, perhaps due to distance, having to commute to work, or other commitments. Just because you have to drive, it doesn’t mean it can’t be done sustainably! Car sharing is where two or more people share a car and travel together and is a great way of cutting fuel costs, reducing congestion and pollution outside the school gates and sharing the task of the school run.
How it works
Ask the school if they have an existing car share scheme or not.
- If they don’t, suggest they set one up. Alternatively, you can set one up yourself. All you need to do is identify families who live close by to you and contact them asking whether they would be willing to car share with you.
- If they do, you will receive a letter asking whether you’d be interested in taking part in the scheme. Those who are interested and come from the same area will be put in contact with one another. It is then up to you to arrange how the car sharing arrangement would work (e.g. how you alternate pick ups etc.)
Top tips
- Parents are often concerned about the impact of car sharing on insurance, however the Association of British Insurers (ABI) states that car sharing will not affect insurance provided that the vehicle seats no more than eight and no profit is made from any payment by passengers.
- Please ensure that you have suitable child care seats as required by law, and your vehicle has a valid MOT, insurance and tax.
