A CAR-sharing scheme to “fill in the gaps” between existing services is launching in Monmouth, with volunteer drivers being sought to take part.

The Bridges Community Car Scheme is aiming to provide a transport service to enable people who require additional support to access local facilities and appointments. The scheme is intended for people who have difficulty in accessing public transportation or face barriers to using taxi services and existing community transport.

The car scheme is currently being run as a pilot arrangement in Monmouth, building on the work already undertaken by Community Connections. It will develop to be a stand-alone organisation, working closely with the existing Befriending Scheme.

Passengers and volunteers taking part in the scheme will have to complete an application form and go through checks to ensure suitability. All passengers will be seen in their own home by a scheme co-ordinator. A volunteer driver meanwhile will be required to undergo a carefully planned training and induction programme, providing character references and going through a DBS check.

The volunteer will then meet with a co-ordinator for an induction session where they will be given further details about the scheme and will be asked to provide up-to-date driving documents.

Organisers say it is important that the scheme is not just a routine transport service but an enjoyable and friendly experience for both driver and passenger. Therefore, a careful matching process will be used which uses information from the volunteer’s interview, the induction session and the passenger’s home visit and application form.

There will be a small cost to those wanting to use the scheme, with a rate of 45p per mile to cover fuel expenses for the driver and a 50p booking fee for the journey.

David Siddall, who is chairing the group behind the scheme said: “There are lots of people out there who do not have access to public or private transport.

“We hope that this scheme will offer those people a friendly face, and hope that over time drivers and passengers will build relationships.”

The scheme is being planned as an alternative to existing methods of transport, with organisers keen to point out that the scheme is not intended to rival existing services.

“We are not trying to take away from taxi services and Grassroots, but trying to fill in the gaps,” David said.

Volunteer driver Daphne Mills-Ellis was one of the first drivers to take part in the pilot, after having a career in the care industry.

“I’ve done two journeys so far, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed both of them,” she said.

Depending on the success of the pilot, it is hoped that the scheme could spread to other parts of Monmouthshire.

For more information about the scheme, or to get involved as a volunteer driver, call 07557 008743.