VAUXHALL is mounting a campaign to discourage its employees from using their cars in a bid to cut congestion and improve air quality. The manufacturer will be enabling some employees to work from home one day a week by providing them with modern communications linking them with the office and their customers.

Up to 1,000 employees could be involved in the scheme and the company hopes its example will be followed by other companies. Although the move may seem perverse for a leading car-maker whose market share is declining, Vauxhall believes the policy will have little effect on new car sales.