ORGANISERS behind a national 'car club' scheme are looking to start one in Tavistock later this summer.

The initiative started off as a community enterprise in Ashburton ten years ago and now has clubs from Devon to the Highlands of Scotland.

Jeremy Farr, the co-ordinator of the car club of e-cocars.com, said members may borrow a car when they need it with all tax, insurance, repairs etc, paid for.

The environmentally-friendly service is aimed at getting more people to use the club, in conjunction with local transport, and to reduce the number of cars using the roads in the area.

E-cocars.com uses the latest technology to give members access to new cars without the hassle of owning one. It will insure and tax, service and clean the vehicles —all members do is drive one.

He said: 'The idea is only for the hours you use the car and mileage.

'So if you only need a car for a few journeys a week or occasional trips a car club would be the answer for you.'

There are similar clubs in Totnes, which has 37 cars, and Plymouth — the latest cars are based at the Peninsula Student Living on the University of Plymouth campus. They are also trying to encourage businesses to take part, as they say it will help to reduce vehicle costs.

Mr Farr told the Times: 'A number of cars would be parked centrally in Tavistock. Members who would join for a year would have access to a car and book them from an hour to a couple of days as and when they need them. It is really cost-effective.'

He said the RAC had estimated that on average cars cost a motorist £3,500 a year to run, but joining a club and only using club vehicles when needed would make substantial savings.

Members pass a smartcard over the card reader on the windscreen and unlock the car. They get into the car and use the key in the glove compartment to start the engine.

If you have not already made a reservation and the car is free it is possible to make a booking from inside the car. The system then records the start time and mileage, and sends you an invoice to pay by credit card automatically.

To join the club is free.?It currently costs £3.95 an hour to book the car and 15p a mile — petrol costs included.

Mr Farr said that on the e-cocars.com website there is a Tavistock on-line survey for people in the area to fill out so that demand for the service can be gauged.

To find out more go to http://www.e-cocars.com">www.e-cocars.com or call Mr Farr on 07753 325014.