A NEW report, 'Green transport plans, the cost and benefits to employers', is being produced for publication in the summer into the popularity and success of company green travel plans. The research has been commissioned by the Department of Environment, Transport and Regions.

It aims to offer a guide illustrating a range of different organisations, including businesses, local authorities and hospitals, set costs of green initiatives in the context of existing transport-related expenditure and provide advice on how costs can be overcome or reduced. The guide will identify benefits, savings, barriers and costs and whether each is likely to be achievable in the short and long term.

Commuting and all forms of business transport are being considered in the ongoing research, including initiatives to reduce overall travel, as well as those aimed at encouraging the use of more environmentally-friendly methods by staff and visitors and use of more fuel-efficient vehicles. A total of 24 companies have been interviewed, the majority of which have implemented green transport plans.