Companies should be more flexible in allowing employees to work from home in the battle against congestion.

The RAC Foundation believes that forcing employees into the office is a major cause of jams and pollution, and that a more enlightened approach would be better for the economy and the environment.

Working in conjunction with Trafficmaster, the RAC found there had been a 0.8% increase in congestion in the first quarter of 2007, which it claims costs business £74,000 an hour.

The report claimed half of company car drivers find their employers “not at all” supportive over flexible work practices to avoid congestion.

Edmund King, executive director of the RAC Foundation, said: “Working from home one day a week can have great benefits for the economy and environment.”

Congestion hotspots

According to Trafficmaster and RAC Foundation (May 2006-April 2007)

Location and Trafficmaster congestion alerts
1. M1 Home Counties J6a-J11 145,641
2. M25 Western sector J9-J20 140,822
3. M25 Northern sector J21-J28 110,521
4. M6 West Midlands J3a-J11a 98,671
5. M6 North Mids/N. West J11-J21a 78,453

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