Drivers urged to ditch cars in groundbreaking trial as people are 'worried about the number of cars on streets'

The multimillion-pound research project aims to see whether having easy access to a car, only when needed, could benefit local communities.

People involved in the project will choose between two options when the three-week trial begins in November.

The first option would see a group of two or more households get together and offer the car for loan via an app.

The second will see households signing up for access to a specific hire car available for use between one and three days per week.

In either scenario, participants will be asked to avoid using their own car during the experiment, with "thank you payments" being provided.

Greg Marsden, Professor of Transport Governance at the University of Leeds Institute for Transport Studies, will lead the project, which launches in November.

He said: "If you've ever wondered what a world where people did not need to own their own cars might look like, we would love you to get involved.

"People have told us they are really worried about the number of cars on the streets around them, but that they also value the flexibility of the car for some journeys.

"We want people to try out some options which mean they can have the convenience of a car without the hassle of ownership."

Professor Marsden said a successful outcome from the project would benefit the local communities, with more space for activities or green spaces.

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Participants will be monitored, as well as being questioned about how they would want to improve the service, including the organisation, or extra transport options.

The £7.8million plan is being led by the Institute for Transport Studies at the University of Leeds, alongside the Royal College of Art and Lancaster University.

The project, which will include up to 400 households, is being funded by the Engineering and Physical Science Research Council.

Professor Marden said: "We are looking for people who are willing to have a go and tell us how it goes and what else might make it better."

The University of Leeds hinted that the project could lead to the creation of a national centre of excellence in low-carbon alternatives to vehicle ownership.

The "Car When We Need It" experiment is part of the "groundbreaking" INFUZE study (Inspiring Futures for Zero Carbon Mobility).

This asks communities across the city to design "bespoke alternative transport systems", including car clubs, responsive bus services, and shared bicycle and e-scooter schemes.

The "thank you payments" include four separate £25 payments for onboarding and app setup, before the interview, the exit interview and data checking in the app.