BVRLA welcomes government’s focus on the Sharing Economy

The British Vehicle Rental and Leasing Association (BVRLA) has welcomed the publication of an independent review into the Sharing Economy.

The Department for Business, Innovation and Skills (BIS) tasked Debbie Wosskow to explore the social and economic potential of the sharing economy in the UK.

Her report has now been published, and the BVRLA says it is delighted to see that many of its suggestions have been included as recommendations.

The review recommends that:

• The government should update its procurement frameworks, so that sharing economy platforms are an option when travelling.
• The Greater London Authority should be given powers to coordinate car club parking bays across London to ensure there is a consistent approach that allows one-way trips.
• The government and regional transport authorities should work with car clubs to integrate them into public sector transport systems. For instance, in London, car clubs should be integrated into the Oyster ticketing system.

BVRLA chief executive Gerry Keaney said: “We welcome this review, which makes vital reading for the government. We believe the report will help focus more government attention on the rapidly-developing sharing economy.”

Keaney added: “Car clubs, car sharing and car rental have been helping people share mobility for many years. Technology is now helping to accelerate the move from car ownership to car ‘usership’.

“As the representative trade body for the mobility services sector, the BVRLA looks forward to helping these new business models evolve and reach their full potential.”