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Zipcar expands its new one-way drive-and-drop service

Zipcar drivers can now drive one way from Dalston to Wimbledon
Zipcar drivers can now drive one way from Dalston to Wimbledon

Online car club Zipcar has extended its service so that members can now drive one way across London without returning the car to its original spot.

Known as Zipcar Flex, it was first trialled in South London in July and has now been rolled out north of the river in Islington, Hackney and Waltham Forest - allowing Londoners the chance to drive from Dalston to Wimbledon.

But there are still notable gaps in the service, particularly in North West London where Flex remains unavailable. Zipcar said full the roll out will happen gradually as it has to work with 33 different local authorities which control parking in each borough.

The new service is designed to bring more flexibility and convenience for its 185,000 members in London, allowing shorter journeys such as running a few errands or visiting friends.

By allowing its customers to drive and drop off in a different location, Zipcar argues it is now cheaper than most taxi services - even undercutting the cost of an Uber.

It is also hoped the service will also help tackle the growing issue of congestion on London's roads and air pollution as it allows drivers to ditch car ownership.

Garry Thornton, head of marketing, Zipcar UK said: ‘At just 29p per minute, capped at £12 per hour, Zipcar Flex is making car sharing in the capital more practical and cost effective than ever.

‘Zipcar members already save around £3,000 per year compared to owning their own car and Zipcar Flex beats ride-hailing services and black cabs on price.

‘For example, a one-way trip from Wimbledon Village to Dalston on a week day, which typically takes an hour by car and covers around 13 miles, would cost just £12 with Zipcar Flex - over 50 per cent cheaper than leading ride-hailing companies.’

London is the second market for Zipcar Flex after launching the so-called free-floating service in Brussels last year.