Residents in driving seat as car club rents parking bays

Published on Friday 14 May 2010 10:49

ANYONE who has ever tried to find a parking space on the Capital's clogged streets will know that it can be an unrewarding experience.

Now it seems that so prized have city centre parking spaces become, that homeowners are cashing in by putting theirs up for rent to a leading car-sharing firm.

Streetcar, the latest car club to launch in the Capital, is paying between 60 and 100 a month for the use of residents' driveways and permit bays.

The company's entrance into the Edinburgh market comes after the rapid expansion of rival firm City Car Club, which has the backing of the city council.

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Streetcar – part of the world's largest car club, Zipcar – launches this week with ten cars spread across the city centre, Haymarket, Bruntsfield and the New Town.

But difficulties in finding somewhere to put their vehicles has seen the company pay to rent parking spaces from city residents.

Jonathan Hampson, head of locations for Streetcar, said the company had used advertising to track down a number of available spaces.

He said: "The key thing about making the decision to come to Edinburgh was that we had seen a good amount of success elsewhere.

"We usually operate either on-street by working with the local authority, or off-street – that's renting bays privately. We're starting with ten bays initially, but have plans to expand." City Car Club's tie-up with the city council has meant that Streetcar has had to approach local residents.

New Town lawyer Suzanne Hay is one of those renting out her parking space.

She said: "I had considered doing this, so I was delighted when the Streetcar opportunity came along.

"This is an ideal solution for me as I can generate extra income, avoid the rising costs associated with owning a car and, at the same time, do my bit for the environment."

The popularity of car sharing in the Capital has grown rapidly in the past few years against a background of rising fuel prices and the increasing cost of motoring in the city.

There are currently City Car Club parking spaces in Marchmont, Stockbridge, Leith and the city centre, as well as a number on Cockburn Street used by staff at the City Chambers. Members rent locally-parked cars which can be booked on the internet or by phone from 3.96 per hour.

Your Say: Would you give up your driveway?

Gill Williamson, 41, marketing manager, West Savile Road: "No, because I need it. Although I don't need it all day, I like to have the flexibility that if I did need it, I could use it."

George Pitcher, 81, retired, Pleasance: "I don't have one but if I did I don't think I would give it up because providing more parking spaces just brings more traffic into the city."

Liz Barron, 51, sales assistant, Bingham Crossway: "Yes, why not? It gives the person with a driveway extra income and it costs the person who is paying a lot less than if they were having to use a parking meter all day."