COMPANY directors must set an example to their staff by abandoning company cars in a bid to ease congestion and pollution. The 'lead by example' approach would see high-ranking staff using a green transport plan to commute to work, either by walking, cycling, car sharing or using public transport.

The move was suggested by Government environmental adviser Katharine Robinson, who advises on the Department of Transport, Environment and the Regions' Environment and Energy Helpline and recently launched fleet industry Motorvate scheme.

She said: 'This is about getting people to lead by example. I know of very few senior managers who have opted out of a company car - it shows real confidence for someone to say 'I don't need the kudos of a company car'. It is a major part of remuneration packages and it is important to reduce its kudos - company cars produce 20% of total mileage in the UK each year which contributes to pollution.'

Directing her comment at perk company car drivers, Robinson questioned whether a company car was the most attractive form of employee benefit and suggested alternatives such as subsidised public transport, home working, more money or increased holiday allowance.