The scheme is aimed at cutting traffic congestion in the city

Customers would be able to book a car via the internet or phone and unlock the car using a smartcard.

Damon Copperthwaite, the city council's assistant director of transport, said: "Car clubs have been proven to reduce car use, congestion and pollution.

"They also offer a much cheaper alternative to owning a car."

The proposal was agreed at a planning and transport advisory panel meeting last week and follows extensive consultation into the scheme's suitability for York.

The council has teamed up with Carplus, a charitable trust specialising in car clubs, to estimate how big the demand would be.

Strong support

Of 350 responses so far received from residents, 44% said they were definitely interested and a further 35% said they would be interested if one was in operation.

Some of the city's largest employees, representing 16,300 staff and 21,000 students, were also contacted regarding their possible use of a car club.

Research showed considerable support for corporate membership of car clubs as a way of organising business trips and additional vehicle back-ups, the council said.

Mr Copperthwaite said: "We'll be opening up the tendering process to find one operator who will set up a number of car club bays across the city.

"This will mean that residents will be able to use a car from any of the locations, not just the one closest to them."