PEOPLE are being urged to go green by leaving the car at home and getting on their feet, bikes or public transport instead.

The Local Motion project aims to promote sustainable travel across south Durham to reduce the environmental impact of getting around.

Durham County Council is running the initiative which focuses on the Bishop Auckland, Shildon and Newton Aycliffe areas.

It will link up with a similar scheme which has been operating in Darlington for around five years.

Durham County Councillor Neil Foster, cabinet member for regeneration and economic development, said: "Transport is an important part of modern life and how you travel is even more crucial.

"With a little bit of thought it is easy to be healthier, save money and make a difference to the world around us.

"Local Motion is here to offer information and tips to help residents think about how they get to wherever they are heading."

The council secured just over £2m for the initiative from the Department for Transport’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund.

A new four-strong team will offer advice and information to the public and businesses about their travel options.

Two travel rangers, who also work in the Darlington area, will promote bus and train links and a bike-it officer will encourage people to cycle when possible particularly school pupils and students.

Officers are also in talks with bus companies about the possibility of subsidising the use of more environmentally friendly vehicles.

Ian Henry, travel planning team leader in sustainable transport, said: "We are not totally against people using cars but want people to think about how it can be done more appropriately.

"They could think about car sharing, we’ll work with businesses to help car users drive safer and more fuel efficiently and it may be that with planning public transport could work out to be cheaper when fuel, parking and servicing costs are considered."

Though the primary aim of the initiative is to reduce carbon emissions officers believe it will also boost the local economy.

Mr Henry said: "We’re looking to promote economic growth by addressing congestion on the highways network.

"If we can discourage unnecessary car use we can free up the roads for businesses to become more efficient, those delivering or waiting for goods and out on their daily business will benefit."