STAFF at Worcester-based npower are to play their part in cutting traffic congestion in the city thanks to a company initiative.

The energy and telecoms provider, which employs 350 staff at its new Bridgewater Road head office, is the first private company in the city to launch a Green Travel Plan.

Geraldine Dunne, its spokeswoman, said the company was proud to be involved in promoting alternative methods of transport through facilities and travel schemes.

The initiative includes free breakfasts, showering facilities and lockers for those who cycle to work, and a secure storage area for bikes.

The scheme also includes pool bikes for staff, a free lunchtime bus service to the city on designated days, and preferential parking for those who take part in car-sharing.

"Getting people out of their cars is very difficult," she said.

"The travel plan is aimed at providing facilities for employees to change the way they travel to work.

"At the moment more than 30 per cent of staff live within four miles of the office and when we transferred to the new site we decided to look at how we could encourage them to use alternative travel.

"This in turn will reduce congestion and pollution in the city. But it will only make a real difference if more companies in Worcester take part."

The initiative has been introduced in conjunction with Worcestershire County Council and Worcester City Council.

Stuart McNidder, the city's director of development services, was delighted the company was working to reduce congestion and pollution.

"If every car commuter used an alternative on just one day a week, car usage levels for commuting would be reduced by as much as 20 per cent immediately," he said.

"It would also reduce car parking requirements by 20 per cent. We're delighted npower is working proactively to achieve this, although it will take time."