COMMUTERS clocked up more than 11,000 miles of walking, cycling and using public transport as part of a challenge to reduce congestion on Slough’s roads.

A total of 137 employees from 19 workplaces across the borough - including SEGRO, Stanley Black and Decker and Slough Borough Council - took part in Slough’s Smart Commute between September 22, and October 31.

The challenge, run by the council and sustainable travel charity Sustrans, involved logging as many sustainable journeys as possible – whether on foot, bike, public transport or by car-sharing.

They clocked up a total of 11,323 miles - the equivalent of 18 trips between Land’s End and John o’ Groats.

Councillor Sabia Hussain, commissioner of health and wellbeing, said: “I hope this inspires more people to leave their cars at home more often, leading to a permanent change in people’s habits. Only then will we really reap the benefits as individuals, as well as seeing reduced congestion and better air quality in Slough.” The organisations who racked up the most miles received a trophy, certificate and £100 charity donation, which they each doubled.

With 430 miles logged, winner of the small workplace category was Stows Cycles, who managed to get all of their employees to take part. They donated to Thames Hospice.

Karl Storz Endoscopy won the medium workplace category, with 730 miles travelled. They donated to Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice.

And the council’s transactional services provider arvato was the top large workplace, having clocked up 520 miles. They donated to the Prince’s Trust.

Slough Borough Council, as the largest employer to sign up, won an special award for extra large workplace, racking up a huge 5,419 miles.