Efforts to slash pollution by cutting business car use will be discussed at a transport seminar next week.

The proposals have been given a boost by Chancellor Gordon Brown's budget which grades company car tax according to levels of carbon dioxide emissions, a City of York Council spokesman said.

And business representatives have been invited to discuss plans for encouraging staff not to drive to work.

Councillor Dave Merrett, seminar chairman and deputy leader of City of York Council, said: "York's businesses have a crucial role to play in turning around growing traffic levels and the tax changes are an added incentive to employers.

"This is the second year in a row that budget changes have boosted efforts by employers to reduce staff car commuting."

Speakers at the event include Graham Sheath, York District Hospital's programme manager, who will talk about the partnership between the council and the hospital which created a travel plan for staff and patients.

Initiatives introduced include staff minibuses and cycle parking.

Boots and pharmaceuticals giant Pfizer will send representatives to show how travel plans have persuaded their employees to leave their cars at home.

Other companies working on travel plans in York include CGU, MAFF, Jarvis Facilities and the University of York.

CBI estimates show that road congestion costs British industry more than £15 million a year.

The seminar will take place on Monday at the National Railway Museum. Places still remain for businesses wishing to send representatives. They should contact Dan Johnson, telephone 01904 551328.

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