A NEW travel grant is being offered to help encourage Herefordshire businesses to introduce and promote sustainable ways for employees to get to work.

The scheme is being run by Herefordshire Council and aims to reduce single-occupancy car journeys by encouraging employees to take up options such as car pooling, riding a bike, walking or catching a bus.

Any business in Herefordshire developing a travel plan is eligible to apply for funding of up to a maximum of £1,000 towards implementing measures.

Funding is available for a wide range of sustainable travel products and initiatives to meet the specific needs of the individual business.

These could include personal alarms for employees, secure cycle racks or shelters, cycle helmets and wet weather gear, pool/folding bikes for business use, cycle training for employees, providing Public Transport information or additional lighting on walkways.

"Encouraging employees to use more environmentally friendly ways of getting to work - especially walking or cycling - often means happier and healthier employees," said green transport promotions officer Judith Whateley.

"And, of course, reducing single-occupancy car journeys significantly reduces congestion and pollution, which benefits the whole community."

For more information on the travel plan or to submit an application write to: Transportation Unit, Herefordshire Council, PO Box 236, Hereford, HR4 9ZH.

Forms are also available from www.herefordshire.gov.uk/travelfund and can be returned via e-mail to: travelfund@herefordshire.gov.uk