About Moray Carshare
Moray Carshare is a community-based car club. There are currently almost 150 members of the club, and we share 16 cars and one electric bicycle amongst us. The cars are placed at 8 different locations in and around Findhorn, Kinloss and Forres in the IV36 post code area of Morayshire in the north-east of Scotland. The car club is run in a democratic way, like a community interest company, using a methodology called Sociocracy.
The aims of our car club are to provide appropriate and affordable transport for its members. And to do so in a way that minimises negative impact on the environment. The car club is also a good example of how we can create a sense of community and fun by sharing resources in a way that benefits all.
Anyone over the age of 25 living in the local area with an appropriate driving license is eligible to join. One benefit to members is that they save money compared with buying their own car. Other benefits include:
- Reduced use of cars: increased awareness of the cost (financial and environmental) of using a car creates more conscious choices of the most appropriate transport method for a particular trip, and thereby reduces our ecological footprint.
- Reduced green house gas emissions and air pollution by using more eco-friendly vehicles.
- Variety of vehicles: members can pick the car that is most suitable for the trip in question – currently we have 2 electric cars, 7 small (fuel efficient) cars, 4 family cars, 2 MPVs with tow hitches, 1 camper van kit for the MPVs, 1 medium-sized trailer and 1 electric bicycle.
- The creation of community jobs (3 people are employed to maintain and manage the car club).
- More free time: members are free of the administration, upkeep and responsibility of owning a car.
- A reduced number of cars in our local community, and thereby a safer, more beautiful living environment.
We were founded in October 2007 with 15 members and 3 cars. We were inspired by the Woodhead Community carpool. We have made a small financial surplus most years, which has been reinvested in the car club. We have recently received government funding from Transport Scotland to support the development work required for further expansion.
Community car clubs are an ideal way to introduce people to electric cars, as they can be used for shorter journeys, while petrol or diesel cars can still be used for longer journeys.
Our constitution, operational agreement and tariffs can be found here on the menu "About --> Documents". These create clear rules and boundaries that help create a sense of trust.