BCR Vehicle Rental has launched a pilot scheme in central London aimed at encouraging infrequent car users to give up their vehicle and opt instead for daily rental. The BCR Privilege Rental Club offers flexible, discounted car rental as an alternative to car ownership, saving customers the cost of running their own car or second car, and removing the associated urban hassles of parking and security.

Membership of the club is free, but members must sign an agreement to rent a certain category of car for a certain number of days a year, between 50 and 150. They will pay quarterly in advance for the number of anticipated days, and rates can be readjusted subsequently depending on usage by the club member. Rates are calculated according to the number of days and the size of car, and will involve a discount of between 20% and 30% on high street rental prices.

The Privilege Club will hold the rates negotiated with members for a full year, and if short-term special offers provide a better deal, the club member will not be held to higher rates. Upgrades to different vehicles including vans are available at discounted rates, and members can cut a further 5% from their bills by booking a week in advance.

Terry King-Smith, BCR's chief executive, said: 'The BCR Privilege Club pilot scheme is just one way that inner-city customers can save money and generally improve their environment by driving newer, cleaner cars only when they need them, and unclogging the streets of largely unused vehicles.' He believes the scheme supports the Government's call for an integrated transport solution, with daily rental the ultimate form of car sharing, rather than ownership.