People in Oxfordshire are being urged to support the Don't Choke Britain campaign by leaving their car at home, writes Maggie Hartford.

The organisers say traffic congestion costs the UK economy 15bn a year and that motorists can be exposed to up to three times as much pollution as pedestrians.

Anya Ledwith, Going for Green's communications officer, said: "This year's Don't Choke Britain is set to be bigger and better than ever before. The key to its success however, lies with you. I call on the people of Oxfordshire to show support by giving your a car a holiday, even if it's just one day. "As well as reducing levels of pollution and environmental damage, the health benefits for both adults and children of reducing short car journeys and replacing them with walking or cycling can be substantial. Together, we can look forward to cleaner air to breathe and less traffic chaos."

During Green Transport Week, the organisers are asking people to:

*Take the bus and travel by train whenever possible

*Walk or cycle more, especially for short journeys *Use a motorcycle or moped which use less petrol and reduce traffic congestion

*Share car journeys with friends and colleagues

*Combine trips to save time and money on fuel

*Take account of fuel economy when choosing a car if possible, choose one with a catalytic converter *Keep the engine properly tuned and serviced and the tyres inflated to the right pressure

*Drive smoothly, avoiding rapid acceleration and heavy braking these increase fuel consumption

*Ask employers for measures to reduce car use, such as cycle facilities or subsidies on public transport season tickets.