A POLLUTION-BUSTING car club could be operating in York by the end of the year.

City centre residents will be offered the chance to use a car for as little as half an hour, without the hassle and cost of having to own one.

All cars would be parked locally and users could book online, over the phone, or by turning up at the car's base, using a smart card.

City of York Council has enlisted the expertise of Carplus, a national charity promoting responsible car use, to look at how to set up the scheme, which could cut mileage on the city's congested roads by a quarter.

About 12,500 households within the city walls and in areas such as The Groves, Fulford Road and Bishophill have been sent a leaflet asking whether they would be interested in a club, and the system they would favour.

Options include pay-as-you-drive, where club members pay one bill at the end of each month based on their use, or a monthly subscription.

Residents have until mid-March to send in their views, and the results will be considered by councillors. The consultation has been funded by developers of the Transco site, in Heworth, and the Barbican, in Fishergate.

There are 27 car clubs in the UK, including ones in Leeds and Whitby, run in partnership between local authorities, transport operators, employers and housing developers.

Philip Igoe, development manager of Carplus, said: "Car clubs are very innovative and effective because they don't fall into the anti-car lobby or the pro-car lobby.

"They give the chance to do without your own car, or second car, which brings obvious financial and environmental advantages."

Coun Ann Reid, executive member for planning and transport, said: "I think a car club will be a positive move towards reducing congestion and pollution in the city."

Updated: 10:15 Friday, February 25, 2005