Ubeeqo launches car club with Bellway Homes

Ubeeqo is launching a new car club with Bellway Homes at a housing development in south-west London.

The new car club will give residents of the 161-unit development in Ewell, along with local members of the public, the use of a Citroen C1 Car.

Carl Pittam, development director at Ubeeqo, the car club and corporate car sharing brand of Europcar Mobility Group, said: “There is increased pressure from both consumers and urban planners to find innovative new ways to reduce traffic volumes and air pollution.

“Working with Bellway Homes at the point of planning this new residential development, has allowed us to put in place a more sustainable solution to the problem of local traffic congestion and its subsequent impact on air quality.”

The requirements of Section 106 planning laws mean that most councils are now insisting that all new housing developments include a sustainable travel element, explained Pittam.

“Offering a car club sharing scheme to its new residents in Ewell, is a great way for Bellway Homes to not only meet these new criteria, but also to stand out from the competition by offering a valuable and attractive proposition to homebuyers,” he continued.

“Car clubs can not only help to cut down on the amount of local traffic, but also help to reduce the need for car parking spaces – something which is at a premium in built areas.”

Lawrence Cox, technical manager at Bellway Homes (South London), added: “It's excellent to have partnered with Ubeeqo at our Buckthorn Grange development in Ewell.

“We're very pleased to be providing residents of the development with access to Ubeeqo's car club service.”

Ubeeqo launched a new car-sharing product aimed at helping housing developers meet planning obligations and reduce the environmental impact of new builds, in July.

The service encompasses electric, hybrid and petrol vehicles, and residents are able to book them via the Ubeeqo app or online and use RFID technology to unlock and drive vehicles.