More businesses have signed up to back the campaign for commuters to find other ways of getting into town rather than driving to work.

Ipswich Star: Shaun Folan of Birketts. Picture: BIRKETTSShaun Folan of Birketts. Picture: BIRKETTS (Image: Archant)

The Star’s “Ditch the Car” campaign has encouraged more firms to explain what they are doing to encourage their staff to leave the car behind.

Leading law firm Birketts is currently building a new office block in Princes Street in the town. It is taking shape – and when completed will include facilities for cyclists.

Shaun Folan, head of operations at the company, said: “Birketts currently offers season ticket loans for travel via rail and encourages staff to use the bus/local park and ride links.

“For those on shorter commutes, cycling and walking is promoted. Our new office (currently under construction) will have two secure cycle areas and this will be heavily promoted internally to raise the awareness of sustainable travel and highlight the health benefits.

Ipswich Star: Birketts are moving to a new building in Princes Street, Ipswich. Picture: PAUL GEATER.Birketts are moving to a new building in Princes Street, Ipswich. Picture: PAUL GEATER. (Image: Archant)

“In addition, we try to minimise the need to travel by supporting agile/home working and job share, achieved through efficient management and working practices.”

Their new office is very close to the rail station, and Greater Anglia clearly has an interest in getting people out of their cars.

Majority owned by Dutch company Abellio, the rail company has invested in cycle shelters and in cycle hire schemes at its largest stations including Ipswich.

A Greater Anglia spokeswoman said: “Cycling to Ipswich station is a popular mode of travel for our customers.

“We have a number of facilities at the station including free cycle parking, secure cycle parking which requires the use of a key fob, and Bike & Go cycle hire.”

By finding other ways of getting to work, commuters could help ease the congestion on rush-hour roads and ease teir own stress.

For those who live near their work, or the railway station for longer-distance travellers, there are clear health benefits to walking or cycling.

Figures produced for the county council earlier this year showed that about 60% of people live withing 5km(three miles) of their work and about 30% live within 2km(just over a mile).