DEPUTY prime minister John Prescott has written to the UK's top 350 companies calling on them to develop green transport plans for their staff as part of a new 'Doing Your Bit' campaign. This aims to build environmental awareness among employers and employees, and consequently reduce the pollution and congestion caused by people driving to work alone in cars.

In return for companies making this type of green commitment, Prescott said the Government would cive advice on improving the fuel efficiency of fleets, offer free exhaust emission tests in company car parks, provide companies with information about how individuals can make a difference to their local and the global environment, give advice on developing green transport plans and organise energy efficiency presentations.

'We can all take simple measures both at home and at work that can have a real impact,' said Prescott. 'I am keen to build on the momentum of the integrated transport white paper by encouraging less polluting forms of transport by company employees, through greater use of public transport and walking and cycling, which will also help to reduce congestion and so lower business costs. The production of green transport plans by business is a crucial part of this process.'

The campaign's hotline number is 0345 868686.