Council staff will whizz into work in a fleet of electric cars under plans to make a city greener.

Environment bosses at Eastbourne Borough Council are applying for government cash for the buggies under wide-ranging plans to cut congestion and pollution.

Officers discovered more than two thirds of staff drove to work, even though 74 per cent live in the Eastbourne area.

Of those, a fifth said they only used cars to commute, while three-quarters admitted they never shared trips.

If the green scheme gets the go-ahead, staff will be urged to cycle, walk, use public transport and share journeys.

The Liberal Democrat-run authority will offer incentives to workers, including secure cycle parking, changing facilities and a relaxed dress code for those who do not deal with the public.

Mileage expenses will be paid to cyclists, while showers and lockers will be introduced at main council offices.

Interest-free loans will continue to be provided to staff, while the council will also try to negotiate deals for cut-price bikes under the plans agreed by the council cabinet.

Council officials are even offering staff the chance to work from home, with telephone and video-conferencing being encouraged.

They hope the green travel plan will slash car use across Eastbourne. They want it to be a blueprint for other companies and organisations.

Council officials predict long-term savings of £520,000 through the green travel plan, which is now open to comments from staff via email.

Environmental co-ordinator Elliott Cairnes said: "The recommendations involve change and it is important staff don't feel threatened by these changes.

"The travel plan is not anti-car, nor does it set out to ban cars. Rather it seeks to encourage council employees to use their cars more wisely."

Norman Kinnish, director of planning, regeneration and amenities, said: "The plan will improve the quality of life for staff and help reduce congestion on roads."

He predicted it would lead to less congestion, more parking spaces in nearby streets, improved air quality and noise reduction. Consultation will be carried out on the plans before they are formally put to the council.

The plan comes after an initiative was launched in Eastbourne to get people who spend a lot of time sitting down to take bracing walks.

In keeping with the council's aim, The Walking Way to Health scheme encourages less car use.