COUNCIL workers in Darlington are being urged to do their bit to cut traffic congestion by taking part in a car-sharing scheme.

The initiative is part of the authority's Town on the Move project, which is aiming to improve traffic flows, encourage greater use of public transport, and improve safety for motorists, cyclists and pedestrians.

Borough council staff wanting to car share can now register their details on a website, noting pick-up and drop-off points.

Staff then have access to details of other employees who are making similar journeys and who are also interested in sharing.

Nick Wallis, the council's cabinet member for highways and transport, said: "Car sharing is step in the right direction in helping to reduce traffic congestion in Darlington and help staff save money and protect the environment at the same time."

Other schemes being developed include more cycle and bus routes, and plans to increase the number of pupils walking or cycling to school.

The council is also reviewing the way in which it delivers internal mail to its buildings, to seek a more environmentally-friendly method than using vehicles.

More than 4,000 people have also been keeping diaries to help the authority understand travel patterns and needs.

Darlington will be the focus of national transport interest in March when the Dolphin Centre hosts the first of three Government-backed sustainable transport summits.