A Devon website has been highlighted in the Government’s White Paper on sustainable local transport for helping cut carbon and congestion in the county.

Motorists faced with increasing fuel prices are being encouraged by Devon County Council to visit Carsharedevon.com which could save them hundreds of pounds each year.

Carsharedevon is a free service which allows people in Devon and across the South West to find others to share their journey, either taking turns with the driving, or giving someone a lift in exchange for a contribution to the fuel costs. It is commissioned by DCC, in partnership with Plymouth and Torbay Councils.

More than 7,500 people are currently signed up to the Carsharedevon website, potentially saving around 5.8 million car miles in the county per year, and 1,892 tonnes of CO2 per year.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, DCC member for highways and transportation, said: “Car sharing can make a huge difference to your wallet, but there are still many drivers who are unaware of how easy it is to find people to share with. Carsharedevon.com is completely free to use, and it only takes five minutes to sign up and search for suitable matches. You could be sharing by tomorrow.”

According to the latest figures from Liftshare.com, the largest carshare network in the UK, the typical commuter who car shares every day saves around �800 a year, while those who manage to fill all their spare seats often save in excess of �2,000,