COMPANY car drivers are being urged to leave their vehicles at home and walk or take public transport to get to work as part of the Don't Choke Britain 2000 campaign.

Last year company car drivers snubbed the call because they had no alternative transport as two reports - from the RAC Foundation and rental giant Avis – confirming public transport's failings.

Steve Bland, who is organising the campaign, said: 'We are not saying people should give up their vehicles altogether, but they should at least once a week leave the car at home and walk if they can, or use public transport.'

The campaign was launched in London by Transport Minister Keith Hill. It takes in the eighth Green Transport Week, which begins tomorrow (Saturday), co-ordinated by the Environmental Transport Association (ETA), heralding a week of events highlighting the impact of transport on the environment.

Workers will be encouraged to share lifts next Wednesday (June 14) on National Liftshare Day, which is being co-ordinated by liftshare.com, which offers free information on lift sharing and cheap means of transport.

Bland said: 'We are trying to get people to adopt a green diet whereby it is better for people to try to use their cars less rather than abandon them altogether.'