Staff paid to get on bikes

A Shropshire company is paying its employees more and handing out extra holidays - if they ditch their cars and walk, cycle or catch the bus to work.

And Shrewsbury's MP is Daniel Kawczynski is set to endorse the efforts by land surveyors The Severn Partnership Ltd (TSP) to help the environment.

He is due to visit the Bayston Hill firm to open an eco-friendly cycle store for the staff next Thursday.

The company, formed in 1984, started a policy of encouraging all staff to come to work using any transport other than their own cars, last year.

This was backed up by financial incentives. Any employee who walks to work or uses a cycle, public transport or shares someone else's car, is eligible for extra payment. The employee is given the option of either keeping the cash or giving it to a nominated charity.

"At the end of the year, the person who has gained the most financial reward from their alternative travel arrangements is rewarded with some extra leave - and the person who has donated the most to charity during the year is also rewarded with additional leave," said director of the firm Jonathan Walton.

"Towards the end of the year all those taking part nominated a charity to receive the payments and the charity with the most votes was then chosen to receive the entire payment for the year. Following 2006's efforts we will be making a donation of £448 to the Severn Hospice."

Mr Walton added: "As a result of a number of people cycling to work, it was decided to erect a proper cycle storage facility at TSP's offices.

"Two Cycle Pod units have been purchased. These storage racks are an innovative design constructed entirely from recycled plastic, which is in keeping with the reason behind this initiative.

"A weatherproof roof has also been built over the top of the storage units. Having made the decision to build a cycle storage facility, it was an extra bonus when some funds were made available via Shropshire County Council's Workplace Travel Grant scheme.

"Under this scheme Shropshire employers can apply for grants towards measures aimed at reducing single-occupancy car journeys made by their staff - such as cycle parking, showers or improved pedestrian access."

By Neil Thomas