TfL faces criticism over ‘patchwork’ approach to car club strategy

The London Assembly Transport Committee has warned that Transport for London’s (TfL) fragmented strategy on car clubs is stifling their growth and undermining progress towards the capital’s environmental and transport goals.

In a new report titled TfL’s Stalling Car Clubs, the committee says the absence of a city-wide plan has left boroughs to create their own policies, leading to inconsistent provision and discouraging operators.

Several providers have scaled back operations or exited the London market entirely, citing regulatory uncertainty and a lack of strategic support.

The report urges TfL to take a more proactive role and proposes a three-pronged response:

• A pan-London action plan for car clubs, to be developed within the next year
• Inclusion of car clubs in the upcoming London Plan as a core part of the sustainable transport mix
• A TfL-led awareness campaign to increase public understanding and uptake of shared mobility services

Elly Baker, chair of the Transport Committee, said: “Car clubs allow Londoners access to a vehicle without the cost and space burden of private car ownership.

“But TfL’s current stance is holding back a proven tool that can help reduce congestion and improve air quality.”

Industry body Collaborative Mobility UK (CoMoUK) welcomed the findings.

Chief executive Richard Dilks said: “London once led the way in shared mobility, but has now fallen behind its European counterparts.

“This report rightly calls for coordinated action to unlock the benefits car clubs offer — from reduced car dependency and lower emissions to better integration with public and active travel.”

CoMoUK research shows that car club members drive fewer miles, own fewer cars and are more likely to walk or cycle short journeys.

Dilks added: “This is not just about convenience — it’s about cutting congestion, lowering costs, and delivering environmental gains.”

The London Assembly report adds that a unified approach is critical if the capital is to achieve its net-zero goals and reduce reliance on private vehicles.

The committee called on the Mayor and TfL to recognise car clubs as a key part of the solution — "not an afterthought".