From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, June 22, 2007

DEVON County Council has won acclaim for its efforts to reduce the volume of cars on the county's roads.

The National Business Travel Network, which launched in the South West last week, and Transport 2000 Trust have praised Devon County Council for the results it has achieved so far in cutting car use and promoting sustainable alternatives.

The County Council is actively working towards making Devon greener, part of which involves reducing transport emissions and cutting car use. In the past two years, single car trips to County Hall have been cut by 23% and the County Council is looking to reduce this by a further 17% over the next two years.

Stephen Joseph, Executive Director of Transport 2000 Trust, which operates the National Business Travel Network on behalf of the DfT, said: "Congestion is an increasing problem for South West organisations, which are under a lot of pressure to tackle climate change. We're delighted to see that Devon County Council is achieving great results and actually reducing car use by promoting and implementing Smarter Choices measures such as cycling, car sharing, and walking. We're looking forward to working in partnership with Devon County Council through the National Business Travel Network to share best practice and enable other organisations to do as well."

A spokesperson from the Department of Transport said: "We recognise the valuable work undertaken by Devon County Council in promoting sustainable travel measures, such as cycling, walking and public transport use and reducing car travel."

In Devon, car sharing has increased by 11 per cent in two years and in that time sustainable forms of transport such as walking, cycling and public transport have increased by 12 per cent.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council Executive Member for Environment, said: "It's reassuring to know that the County Council's efforts to reduce congestion on our roads, and in turn cut pollution, are being recognised nationally. As an authority we are trying to set the right example to encourage others to do their bit for the environment to make Devon even greener. Devon County Council has made a good start over the past two years but a lot more can be done."

The County Council has helped the Sowton Transport Management Association to have a successful first year. The Association, set up to support sustainable travel initiatives in and around Sowton Industrial Estate in Exeter, is the first business-led initiative of its kind in the country.

Ian McGregor, Chairman of the Sowton Transport Management Association, said: "Now that we have completed the first year of the Sowton Transport Management Association we are delighted with the progress that has been made and the positive responses we have received from all parties.  We are particularly pleased at the close working relationship between Devon County Council and ourselves, that has been significant synergy between our initiative and projects run by the County. This has included everything from working to promote Bike Week through to a common sharing of information about transport and commuting patterns. We see this as a very strong link which enables both of us to progress initiatives on both the private and public sector as a single overall view."

The County Council has also supported the University of Exeter in the development of its new 10 year sustainability travel plan, which aims to encourage cycling, walking, home-working and to discourage reliance on the car.

Notes for Editors:

For more information contact the Media and PR Office on 01392 383262.

For the Sowton Transport Management Association contact info@sowtontma.co.uk or 07792628166.

For further information on the DfT's National Business Travel Network, contact Marie Morice or Kerry Edens on 020 7613 7724 or nbtn@transport2000.org.uk

The National Business Travel Network is a new initiative that aims to encourage the take up, promotion and development of travel plans by businesses in order to reduce CO2 emissions and congestion. Funded by the Department for Transport and operated by Transport 2000 Trust, the network is a one-stop shop for businesses looking to set up a travel plan. It offers business services and relevant resources to help companies make a strong case for change and showcases examples of travel planning in action. Members also have the opportunity to develop partnerships and help inform government policy. Most importantly, it provides a forum for major private companies - many of which already have a plan in place - to work together and share best practice at regular national meetings and via the website. For more information and to sign up for free membership please contact Marie Morice or Kerry Edens 0207 613 7713 nbtn@transport2000.org.uk