MAGISTRATES are being offered a cycling allowance in a bid to encourage them to leave their cars at home. The JPs can opt for the 6.9p per mile allowance, instead of the 40.8p they receive for driving on official business. So far it is not known how many are taking up the option.

It was recently revealed that the Government is also considering introducing cycling mileage rates for MPs, as suggested by Labour MP for Cambridge Anne Campbell. She would like to see a payment of 5p for every mile of constituency business covered by bike, compared to the 43p per mile allowance for MPs who use their cars.

Campbell has also called for the private sector to follow suit - and has even suggested cycling rates matching levels of car mileage rates in order to provide a real incentive for workers.