Cars ought to be key in 'great sharing economy'

OVER the past 100 years the technical advancement not just in car technology but in the way they are produced has changed dramatically.

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can reduce air pollution, carbon emissions and traffic congestion

Up to the 1960s cars were initially a luxury item available to the wealthy who could enjoy the convenience of individual travel.

During the last 60 years, mass production and economies of scale have brought low-cost cars owned, managed, maintained and operated by one family.

The current ownership model therefore works in terms of cost and availability for a wide range of income levels in both developed and lower-income economies provided through finance schemes and a large secondhand car market.

This column has advocated travel by bus and train and I have usually taken that advice, though public transport is a shared experience which works best at times of day convenient for the majority of users.

Ten years ago the UK Department of Business, Innovation and Skills report - Unlocking the Sharing Economy - suggested ride sharing and car clubs as a means of reducing the congestion and emissions level in cities particularly in the peak traffic periods but also at all times of the day.

The Minister, Matt Hancock (remember him?), in his foreword to the report appeared to indicate a 'surprising degree of support to move away from 'traditional' car ownership'.