From Adrian Lane, Exeter 383262, March 18, 2008

BUSINESSES in Barnstaple have until next Tuesday (25 March) for their staff to reply to a travel survey.

More than 700 online responses have been completed and a further 3,500 paper copies of the Devon County Council travel tally were requested by companies in the town last month, to help record how people commute to work in the town.

Councillor Margaret Rogers, Devon County Council's Executive Member for Environment, said: "With an encouraging number of online responses, and more paper copies to come back, the survey has had a really good take up so far. There is still time for people to complete the survey to give the County Council an even better reflection of how people travel. The data will be used to help continue reducing traffic congestion in Barnstaple."

The survey is the first stage in a process to develop a transport strategy for Barnstaple, as well as feeding into the Local Development Framework planning proposals for the area. It will examine how Barnstaple can progress following the construction of the Western Bypass and Taw Bridge, and the opportunities that may present themselves in terms of economic growth and expansion.

Devon County Council Leader and Councillor for Barnstaple North Brian Greenslade, said: "Businesses have seen the importance of this travel tally and I'm pleased that they are having their say on how travel and transport could be improved around the town. Barnstaple can become an important centre for investment following the development of the bypass and Square and Strand, and public transport, walking, cycling and car sharing can play an important part."

Councillor Chris Haywood, Devon County Council Vice Chairman and County Councillor for Barnstaple South, said: "Congestion has been reduced around Barnstaple, and the bypass bridge has already shown its worth. The travel tally will show the County Council if traffic flow can be improved further still and we're keen to hear the thoughts of the business community."

The survey is taking place on the internet, but any company interested in taking part that would like paper copies of the survey can still obtain them by calling 01392 383349.

Every business participating in the survey will be entered into a free prize draw to win £1,000 towards improving travel choices for its staff, and each company taking part will also receive an information pack containing a summary of the results.

Notes to Editors:

Councillor Margaret Rogers, 01297 680384.

Councillor Brian Greenslade, 01271 372065.

Councillor Chris Haywood, 01271 375121.

Currently, nearly a quarter of all car trips in the UK are people getting to work, and UK workers spend the most time commuting in Europe.

Traffic congestion costs businesses at least £20 billion each year, and on average, employees spend £500 a year on the commute to work.

20% of the total UK Co2 emissions come from road transport, and of this, 55% comes from cars.

People travelling by car can be exposed to levels of pollution twice as high as pedestrians and cyclists

A reduction in just 10% of car journeys in Devon would save 520 tonnes of air pollutants.