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SYDNEY - A trial parking programme for car-sharers has been launched in inner Sydney in a bid to ease traffic congestion.
Under the programme, 90 car spaces will be set aside for the dedicated use of residents using car-sharing schemes, which are set up for people who don't want to own their own vehicles but need the use of a car.
The schemes allow people to pay a membership fee to a private company and use a network of cars for as little as an hour or for up to a week at a time.
Car-sharing companies already operate in Sydney, but this is the first time designated parking spaces will be set aside for car-sharers in the city.
The system, which is also popular in other countries such as Italy and Switzerland, is often cheaper than using hire cars.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said today car-sharing was convenient for those living in inner Sydney who only needed a car to go away for a weekend or shop for bulky items.
The schemes also reduced congestion and were environmentally friendly, she said.
"Research shows that each car-share vehicle can be used by up to 10 people, reducing the need for people to buy and use vehicles unnecessarily," she told reporters at Sydney's Town Hall.
"This is a real breakthrough, it's a new way of living in Sydney.
"We really hope it's going to take off."
Ms Moore said she did not anticipate anger from residents over the loss of car spaces to the two-year trial program.
The spaces would be set aside after consultation with the community, she said.
NSW Roads Minister Eric Roozendaal said congestion was the number one issue on Sydney's roads, but a congestion tax on cars in the city was not on the agenda.
"There are no plans for a congestion tax," he told reporters.
He said car-share schemes were a great example of how councils could make a difference.
"Improving urban mobility requires new thinking and innovative solutions at every level of government," he said.
Paul Reichman, from car-sharing firm Charter Drive, said car-share plans started at A$3.30 an hour, plus mileage.
Mr Reichman said Charter Drive had been operating for about 18 months and had 700 members and 25 cars.
"The first main difference (to hire cars) is the cars are available by the hour and they are ideally within a five minute walk of a person," he said.
"Cars do cost a fortune.
"When you start doing the economics it (sharing) makes total sense."
- AAP
