Our response to Zipcar's planned closure

"Hackney residents really value the ability to use Zipcar and other car clubs. We have very low car ownership in the borough and car clubs offer a good alternative to private car ownership, as well as flexible access to cars and vans for businesses. 

"Hackney has one of the highest rates of car club membership in London and almost 200 Zipcars, so we have long understood the wider challenges facing car clubs, whether that's about growing membership or adapting to the need to electrify their vehicles. Hackney has taken a lead in ensuring the long term viability for shared car services, delivering the largest network of dedicated electric car club bays and supporting the Zero Emissions Network that works with residents and businesses to help reduce emissions by using cargo bikes where possible.

"We are committed to providing an environment where shared and sustainable transport are the easiest choice so residents and businesses do not need to own private vehicles. Car clubs and shared mobility play a hugely important role and Hackney will continue to work with car club providers and create space on our streets for these services.

"We have seen the media reports saying the Zipcar are ending their UK operations and we’re engaged in dialogue at appropriate forums, including working with our colleagues in London Councils and with the Mayor of London to develop the right models to allow car clubs to operate and thrive in London. 

"It is still unclear what the impact of Zipcar’s announcement will be. Hackney is working across the shared mobility sector to minimise any disruption to existing users and make sure there is a long term viable alternative to owning a private vehicle." 

Cllr Sarah Young, Cabinet Member for Climate, Environment and Transport