Local Clackmannanshire residents are being urged to make use of a free car sharing website, www.TripshareClacks.com, by SEStran and what is even more amazing this service has been promoted by Santa and his friends over Christmas

Santa, on Christmas day, while delivering his Christmas presents in Alloa said that TripshareClacks.com is a new initiative from SEStran, the South East Scotland Transport Partnership, to encourage people to "save money, cut congestion and reduce pollution" by car sharing.

SEStran Project Manager, David Peace said: "People can save money, cut congestion and reduce pollution by sharing car journeys. TripshareClacks.com is free, easy to use and can be used for all sorts of trips, from commuting to concerts to any type of shopping.

"Around 1,500 people have registered with the tripshareSEStran scheme, which includes www.tripshareclacks.com, since the launch in October 2006. Based on this uptake, an estimated 740,760 car miles could be saved in a year, saving 141 tonnes of carbon dioxide or £74,000 for people.

"By sharing their journey in one car, Santa and his elves, pictured in an open-top mini at the start of their journey around the Wee County, are saving money, leaving more to spend on presents!"
TripshareClacks was launched in October 2006 by Scottish Transport Minister Tavish Scott MSP. It lets the user register, enter their planned journey and the system will then attempt to match them with a driver or passenger doing that or a similar journey. It can also match journeys by taxi, cycling or even walking. Santa was heard to say: "What a great idea! I am very happy to let Rudolph and the sleigh rest after this record Christmas delivery. I will use the share a car facility when I am out and about in Alloa!”

"If more people shared their car or taxi journeys, we could all be a bit happier, healthier and better off by Christmas."

Editor.