TWO thousand homes across Bicester are being urged to take part in a travel survey as part of the eco-town plan aimed at slashing car use.

Households have been chosen at random and will be asked to reveal how they make journeys, including how often they use a car.

The results will form the groundwork for the 5,000 home eco-town planned for Bicester and how it will be integrated with the town.

Central to the bid is a target to cut car journeys by at least 50 per cent through walking, cycling, car sharing and public transport.

It would also have fewer roads and half the parking spaces usually proposed for new developments.

A private developer would build the new town with support from Cherwell District Council.

Council leader Barry Wood said: “If the North West Bicester project is to succeed, it has to be fully integrated with the rest of the town – and methods of travel are a vital part of this.

“We want to find out more about the prevailing travel habits in the area and the issues that need to be addressed in planning for future large-scale development.”

But Tory backbench councillor Catherine Fulljames warned it would be hard to change travel habits.

She said: “Some people may be prepared to leave their cars at home.

“But people get in a routine and unless petrol is very expensive people will still get in their cars.

“People want to use their car when they want and not be told they can’t drive to the shops, work or school.

“This is England, it’s not a dictatorship. I will be interested to see how many people respond.”

The survey has been funded from a £9.5m Government grant received earlier this year to start the ball rolling on the eco-town project.

Michael Waine, eco-Bicester strategy board member, added: “The project presents us with a unique and exciting opportunity to see what can be achieved in terms of a green, sustainable approach to travel and transport planning.

“This survey is an important step in that process.”