THE Department of Transport Local Government and the Regions has launched a 'leave the car at home' initiative that will help fleet managers expand their role into transport and environmental management.

Called 'Walk in to Work Out', the scheme is aimed at companies wanting to give employees information about walking or cycling to work.

The free information pack includes a guide for co-ordinators, booklets for staff and promotional posters. It contains details on goal setting, journey planning and safety.

According to the DTLR, a recent survey suggested that many motorists who drive short distances to work would consider walking or cycling for their health, and of those who already have switched, 34% did so for their health, 8% for environmental concern and 2% to help reduce congestion.

The pack has been launched on the back of a successful pilot in Scotland that doubled the amount of employees choosing to leave their cars at home.

A spokesman for the DTLR said: 'We would welcome fleet managers who want to get involved with the scheme. It's a great idea for improving health, and helping the environment.'