Report calls for car clubs to support disabled drivers

Car clubs across the UK must become more accessible for disabled people, according to a new report which sets out a series of practical recommendations to break down barriers.

The report, Keys for All, is the first in-depth investigation into the challenges disabled people face in using car clubs, which allow members to book and share vehicles as an alternative to private car ownership.

It was produced by shared transport charity Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) in partnership with transport research consultancy TRL, with grant funding from the Motability Foundation.

Recommendations include discounted rates for disabled users, more flexible cancellation policies, a major awareness campaign and trials of adapted vehicles. The report also calls on government to create new policy and funding streams to support these changes.

Richard Dilks, chief executive of CoMoUK, said the findings revealed both challenges and opportunities. ‘This groundbreaking report shows that while the barriers facing disabled people in accessing the schemes are significant and challenging, they are not insurmountable.

‘We knew from the outset there would not be a “one size fits all” solution, but we have set out a range of clear actions that are needed to make car clubs more inclusive.’

Among the measures proposed is a pilot programme to test more flexible cancellation windows – allowing bookings to be changed up to two or three hours before use – to reflect the unpredictable nature of some impairments. The pilot would also explore discounts linked to disability passes and clearer, simpler pricing.

The report highlights the importance of digital accessibility, recommending a full audit of car club websites and apps, as well as specialist training for staff. It also calls for more information on the accessibility of vehicles and, in the longer term, a wider rollout of adapted cars.

Other ideas include home delivery of vehicles and allowing carers, friends, or family members to act as alternative drivers.

Dr George Beard, head of new mobility at TRL, said: ‘This report lays the foundations for making car clubs more accessible for disabled people, but we are keen to ensure that the work doesn’t stop here. Among key next steps are implementing pilots of inclusive car clubs, which will provide an opportunity to fully test the various solutions we have set out.’

Chelsea Fleming, programme director at the Motability Foundation, added: ‘We are proud to have funded the Keys for All report, which shows the potential for car clubs to support accessible journeys for disabled people.

‘At the Motability Foundation we believe that disabled people should not be held back from participating in society because they are unable to make a journey, so research like this is crucial in highlighting how we can build transport equity.’

The full report can be read here.