Schools are being offered a cash incentive to tackle the school run and persuade families to leave their cars at home.

Oxfordshire County Council's travel plans development team is inviting all state-maintained schools in Oxfordshire to join the second round of the Government's small capital grants scheme.

To qualify, schools must produce an effective School Travel Plan to encourage parents and pupils to opt for alternative transport.

About 70 schools in the county have already expressed an interest and the team is hoping more will get involved.

The amount of money schools are awarded will depend on school size and pupil numbers, but grants of about £5,000 are available to primary schools, while secondary schools can expect to receive about £10,000.

Schools can spend the money on any on-site measures to promote alternative transport, such as cycle racks or sheltered areas where parents can wait for their children.

The travel plans development team has secured special prices for such facilities for schools selected to receive a grant.

David Robertson, Oxfordshire County Council's executive member for transport, said: "This is a great funding opportunity for the county's schools to secure Government funding for improving facilities to encourage sustainable travel.

"New, secure cycle racks are just one way of encouraging pupils to cycle to school."

The travel plan must be approved by the travel plans development team and will need to be in place by March. Grants to qualifying schools will allocated from July.

The closing date for applications is Friday, February 25, but schools are being encouraged to send in their travel plans as soon as possible.

Teachers can call Rachel Nixon or 01865 815784 or download a copy of Writing a School Travel Plan from www.oxfordshire.gov.uk/travel2school