Staff log on to car sharing

Congestion is a big problem in Edinburgh

A pioneering car-sharing scheme in Edinburgh is encouraging business park staff to find their "lift to work" through a computer program.

The 7,000 employees at the Edinburgh Business Park are being asked to detail their travel requirements so they can be matched up for their daily commute.

It is hoped the initiative will help to reduce traffic congestion by up to 40%.

It is the first time in Scotland that a computer has been used to actively match employees at one big site.

The scheme came about after a survey of staff at the business park showed that up to 40% would be prepared to share their travelling to work.

Cut congestion

The Royal Bank of Scotland, which has a substantial unit on the site, has already introduced a scheme to encourage employees to share car journeys.

This new venture hopes to build on that.

It has also been designed to advance the business park's green transport plan.

It is also an attempt to cut traffic congestion in the country's capital where eight out of 10 cars carries just one person.

The only other similar scheme, at Stockley Business Park in London, appears to be working well and it is hoped it will be copied in other cities throughout the UK.