Initiative to reduce car dependance launched

The Government is hoping to encourage a quarter of a million people out of their cars by 2012.

In Ireland over 57% of workers travel to work by car, meaning daily there is 1.1 million people driving to work, the majority of which are driver only car trips.

The Smarter Travel Workplaces programme wants to help some of the country's top employers to reduce staff car usage by a fifth by that time.

Over 50 leading Irish based companies have already become partners and the National Transport Authority aims to have over 100 companies partnered with the programme by 2012.

Businesses can save money, increase productivity and show leadership by introducing strategic workplace practices that encourage car pooling, use of public transport, walking, cycling or reduced travel.

“The Smarter Travel Workplaces programme is there to assist companies to develop effective practices in this area," said Transport Minister Noel Dempsey at the launch of the programme this morning at ESB headquarters in Dublin

"It is encouraging to see so many of Ireland’s top companies already getting involved and producing win-win results for both business and communities.”