An appeal has gone out to independent schools in Abingdon, to help cut traffic levels on the town's roads.

The number of vehicles going through the town has risen by five to six per cent in the past seven years, and Oxfordshire County Council believes independent school peak time traffic is a major factor.

Of the eight private schools in and around Abingdon, just two have signed up to the council's school travel plan.

The scheme is designed to encourage more economical ways for pupils to get to class - reducing the number of parents' cars on the road.

The town's state schools have all signed up to the scheme. And a letter and CD have been sent to the schools that do not already take part, in an attempt to promote the benefits.

The council's member for transport Ian Hudspeth said: "We all know about the high traffic levels in the town centre. The focus has been on road layouts and the Abingdon Integrated Transport Strategy.

"However, I am sure everybody agrees that if we can take cars off the road in large or small numbers it is all going to help the cause, in terms of making traffic flow more freely in the town.

"I sincerely hope Abingdon's independent schools will sign up for a travel plan and help cut the school run element of the town's peak time traffic."