Mobilityways Urges UK Government to Adopt National Carpooling Strategy

Mobilityways, an organization focused on transport solutions, is urging the UK government to implement a national carpooling strategy to address rising traffic congestion and emissions. The call comes as the organization presented evidence to the House of Commons Transport Select Committee.

Ali Clabburn, Founder of Liftshare and Chair of Mobilityways, told the committee that without carpooling, the UK would see 30% more cars on its roads today. He highlighted that government policy has left the sector unsupported, contrasting with European nations like France, Italy, and the Netherlands, which have implemented national carpooling plans.

"Carpooling is a win-win: it saves people money, cuts emissions, improves access to jobs, reduces loneliness and congestion – and it can be done tomorrow, because the empty seats are already there," Clabburn stated. He noted that Liftshare members save an average of £1,000 annually, equivalent to a pay rise, while reducing CO₂ emissions by approximately one tonne.

Evidence presented by other industry figures reinforced Mobilityways' position. Richard Dilks of CoMoUK described current government support for shared mobility as "at an all-time low," comparing the UK unfavorably to countries like Germany and Switzerland. Sam Dewhurst of HiyaCar shared examples of corporate car-sharing schemes within the NHS and local government that have achieved significant cost and emission reductions.

Mobilityways is advocating for the Department for Transport to adopt a strategy that includes incentives for new carpoolers, formal recognition of carpooling as a transport mode, and support for employers to integrate lift-sharing into their recruitment and net-zero initiatives. The organization asserts that such measures offer immediate solutions to congestion, emissions, and productivity challenges at minimal cost.