Proposals outlined in the green transport plan include paying allowances to staff who cycle to work as well as providing shower and locker facilities and a secure parking area for bikes.

The plan also includes incentives to improve the reliability of public transport by installing more dedicated bus lanes.

The council has entering in to an agreement with London Transport to give greater priority to buses.

Other measures include reducing the number of parking permits available to staff and reviewing car mileage allowance in a bid to discourage staff from driving to work.

Staff and the trade unions are now being consulted on the draft plan, which won support from the council's strategy committee.

Councillor David Williams, leader of the council, said: "If we are trying to reduce unnecessary car journeys and encourage public transport then we must practice what we preach."