** Car sharing is one of the more common ways that Covid-19 can be spread, so please avoid it where possible. However, if you have no alternative ways of travel, make sure you stay safe:

• Use a travel buddy system – always share with the same small group
• Sit as far away from other passengers as possible
• Keep windows open
• Touch as few surfaces as possible
• Avoid eating or drinking in the car
• Wear a face covering
• Store a ‘cleaning bag’ in your boot with wipes and hand sanitiser for use before and after each journey.
• Get started with websites such as Bla Bla Car and Liftshare, or find out more on the Travelwest website.**

In general, travelling by car is not very climate-friendly. But sharing a car with other travellers can reduce your carbon footprint and make the journey cheaper. Car sharing has the added bonus of reducing the number of cars on our roads, helping you get about faster.

It’s not just for commuting – sharing with others when travelling to university, a sports match, a festival or even the school run can help you meet new people and make travelling more enjoyable.

Car ownership is predicted to decline from 2030. Growth is already slowing – indeed ownership is declining in younger generations now so carpooling will become increasingly popular.