THE Government has published a new guide aimed at helping companies establish green travel plans. It has also presented awards to two businesses for their pioneering work in tackling car dependency.

The 'one-stop resource', published through the Government's Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme and aimed at private sector companies, local authorities, Government departments, hospitals and colleges, was launched by Transport Minister Keith Hill when he opened the third annual conference of the Association for Commuter Transport (ACT), in London this week.

Hill said of the guide, called 'A travel plan resource pack for employees': The aim has been to bring together the best of the existing guidance. It will be a very important tool for success for travel plan co-ordinators, at all stages of the travel plan process.' The guide is free and can be ordered on 0800 585 794.

The ACT presented its annual Commuter Initiative Award to Cheshire-based AstraZeneca Pharmaceutical, for its 'Driver for Change' scheme which united its county council and bus operators to reduce car usage and Southern Derbyshire Acute Hospitals NHS Trust for a Health Hopper bus service and park-and-ride scheme.