A CAR sharing club in York has proved so popular over the past year that organisers are hoping to double the amount of vehicles available to members in 2012.

The City Car Club charges £60 a year, allowing members to hire one of eight low-emission Fiat 500 cars for an hour at a time.

Keith Kelly, City Car Club’s York manager, said: “This expansion will bring the benefits of car-club membership to a wider selection of residents and businesses in York, whilst building our partnership with City of York Council in anticipation of the opening of the new council offices next year, where staff travel options will change.

“With the extreme parking pressure across the city and increasing traffic congestion, the car club concept is really benefiting the local area”.

While membership is open to anyone, the locations of the parking points, where cars are left and collected, were originally in areas convenient to City of York Council staff.

Last month the club opened two more locations in North Street and Hazel Court, adding to its existing 11 sites in the city.

Coun Dave Merrett, cabinet member for city strategy, welcomed the extension of the club.

He said: “Car clubs offer an intelligent way to cut costs and reduce traffic by a mix and match approach to getting about the city.

“I hope we can see further roll-out of this initiative which could help to cut congestion and climate changing vehicle emissions.”

The club currently operates in 14 UK cities, including Leeds, Manchester, Edinburgh and London.

City Car Club will be participating in a Climate Week event at Newgate Market, today, between 10am and 2pm, where will be a demonstration vehicle available to try.

For details go to citycarclub.co.uk/locations/york-car-hire