Key workers in the Bristol area are being kept mobile with the support of a fleet of 33 vehicles from ALD Automotive.

ALD has made 33 vehicles available for free use by workers from the North Bristol NHS Trust and the University Hospitals charities

Managed through Karshare’s free community car scheme, the vehicles – comprising 30 cars, two vans and a minibus – are being made available for free use by workers from the North Bristol NHS Trust and the University Hospitals charities.

The vehicles will help workers commute more safely, distribute supplies (including PPE) and support the community.

The first vehicles have already been handed over to staff working within the two local NHS Trusts.

Tim Laver, ALD’s managing director, commented: “We are proud to be able to help NHS staff and other key workers throughout this challenging time and Karshare has been a great help in this process.  We hope that the vehicles will make life a little easier for them, enabling them to do their vital work in hospitals and around the community.”

Karshare founder Andy Hibbert said that with the average car lying unused for 96% of the time – and more so in the lockdown – the scheme provides a practical solution for charities and locals within the community needing transportation support right now.

He added: “If you have a car you’re not going to need for the next week or two, we can put it to good use, doing vital work in the Bristol area. See how you can help by visiting www.Karshare.com.”

The work with Karshare is part of a number of initiatives that ALD is undertaking. It’s already donated £40,000 to the North Bristol NHS Trust and University Hospitals charities. A further £10,000 has been donated to FareShare South West to help pay for 40,000 meals to children and families in need, accompanied by the use of five VW Transporters.