About Us
Recent research by the Countryside Agency (2000) found that transport is the single most important concern of people living in rural areas.
During the summer of 2000 a feasibility study was conducted into the possibility of starting a car club in Ashburton. A small group of environmentally concerned residents wanted to find an alternative to inadequate public transport and relying on private transport.
In 2002 Carplus sponsored a rural car club programme in partnership with Sustrans and the Countryside Agency, which funded the project. The programme was to set up 10 pilot projects in a wide cross-section of rural areas to learn whether they could be a success and collate best practice. Some were concentrated on one town, while others cover a number of smaller communities.
Ashburton on the southern edge of the Dartmoor National Park was chosen because of the demographic characteristics of the small rural market town. Moorcar became the first rural car club in the UK when it was launched in September 2002 with six pioneer members and one car. By the end of the pilot period on March 31st 2004 the car club had attracted 27 members and had two lease cars.
It was obvious that the car club would need to own the vehicles if the car club was to continue past the pilot study. With support from the Countryside Agency and a successful application to the Dartmoor National Park Sustainability Fund, Moorcar was able to expand to the neighbouring town of Buckfastleigh.
Over the next two years Moorcar has added further cars in more towns across South Dartmoor with the ambition to become financially self-sustainable. The funding has been essential to allow the concept of the car club to become accepted as a reliable means of transport. To reiterate 'transport is the single most important concern of people living in rural areas.'
Frequently Asked Questions
List of FAQs
FAQ's
What if the car isn't available when I need it?
The experience of Moorcar is that there will always be a car available when you need it. This is because essential journeys tend to be booked in advance or have some flexibility on when they are made. However, if you find the car is booked when you would like to use it, we will move another car to the same location if we have 24 hours notice.
Where will the car be parked?
The Moorcar website shows all the locations of the cars using Google maps.
How do I book the car?
Booking is done through the Moorcar website which shows the availability of the car, we'll show you how when you sign up. It is really easy and takes less than a minute.
Can I use it straight away?
Yes, if the website shows the car is free then it can be booked and used immediately. You can also book the car up to 12 months in advance.
How do I contact Moorcar if I have a problem?
We pride ourselves on the high quality of our customer service and the personal care we offer. Please call us on the Moorcar mobile phone which we carry with us at all times. The number is 07753325014. Alternatively email us at info@moorcar.co.uk.
What does this cost include?
Everything!
Tax
MOT, servicing and repairs.
Depreciation of the car.
Breakdown cover.
Insurance
What will this have saved me?
Using the car 7.5 hours a week on average will save approximately £1,500 a year on the cost of a reasonable second car - and you won't have had all the hassle of cleaning, taxing, insuring and maintaining the car!
What about insurance?
You will have fully comprehensive insurance, but there will be an excess of £100 in the event of an accident.
Please notify Moorcar if your circumstances change, for example losing your licence.
Who will fill the car with fuel?
You will normally find the car already fueled, if not then pay for fuel and retain the VAT receipt. Place this in the in-car tripsheet folder and you will be re-inbursed on your next statement. Please leave the car with at least a quarter of a tank of petrol when you have finished using it.
How will I unlock the car?
A keysafe is situated near the cars by entering a five figure code you will retrieve the keys.
Will I have to use my own car seats?
There are booster and child seats available if required which are recommended for children age 3 (15kg). You are welcome to fit your own seats for children under 3.
Is there a membership fee?
There is a £150 annual membership fee, which can be paid bya monthly standing order. Any additional driver from your household will benefit from a reduced membership fee of £50.Will the car be clean?
Yes. We ask all members to ensure that the car is left clean and tidy at the end of each journey. Moorcar will fully clean the car once a month to ensure standards are maintained. If you discover the car is messy before your journey, please advise us using the Moorcar mobile number.
What happens if I have an accident?
If an accident does happen, report the accident to us and we will arrange for all the repairs and insurance issues to be resolved. If the accident is your fault then you will need to pay the excess charge to Moorcar. We aim to ensure that in the event of an accident there is minimal disruption to the member and service.
What if I notice the car is damaged before I set off on my journey?
Please check the car for damage before you set off and if you notice any, please report it to Moorcar using the mobile number.
How is my mileage recorded?
Your mileage is recorded on the tripsheet and collated by Moorcar. You can view your account over the internet at any time. All the cost are broken down and displayed in an easy convenient way.
How will I be charged for use of the car?
Every month you will be sent a statement for you to make a payment by cheque.
What happens if I am going to be back later than the time that I thought I would need the car?
Please try to ensure the car is returned within the reservation period. If you are going to be late, please call Moorcar and we will try to notify the next user to minimise inconvenience and if necessary make alternative arrangements.
Can anyone join?
Most people can join Moorcar:
- You need to aged between 21 and 75 years
- You can not have been convicted for a serious driving offence
- You need to have a full driver's licence with a maximum endorsement of 3pts.
What about congestion charges, fines or tolls etc?
You will be responsible for the payment of all additional charges incurred whilst using the car. For example, parking tickets, speeding fines, fines for using the bus lane, congestion zone charges, parking costs, road tolls.
This sounds like a really good idea. What do I do now?
Call us to make an appointment to visit. We will need to see your driving licence, talk through the terms and conditions, register you on the booking site. Then you can drive the car.