IBM has developed software which enables a company to put up a map of its surrounding area on its internet server to help employees car-share. The software, internally piloted by IBM Portsmouth, has a database in which its 4,500 employees put the details of the place they live and the route they take to work every day.

A second database features all business journeys to be undertaken. Employees can click on the route they wish to take and if the route matches that of other employees, they can agree on car-sharing or on a driving rota.

IBM fleet chief Phil Redman said: 'As well as being cost effective, this development emphasises once more IBM's commitment to environmental responsibility. We have marked some car parks in green instead of white and reserved them until 10am for use by employees who are car-sharing.'