Hospital staff are being urged to take the bus in a bid to cut car traffic in Oxford.

More than 2,700 nurses, doctors and other NHS workers drive to the John Radcliffe and Churchill, in Headington, but managers need to reduce the number by 400.

The move follows plans to transfer services from the Radcliffe Infirmary to the two hospitals, bringing another 1,600 workers to the sites.

Oxford City Council will not grant planning permission for any new developments unless the Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust -- responsible for the hospitals -- designs a travel plan to cut down car use.

David Edwards, the trust's transport strategy officer, said: "We have already started the process and have managed to get about 100 people out of their cars. But more and more staff working here are living further away in areas less accessible by public transport.

"We're hoping to be able to get buses running from Kidlington, Blackbird Leys, Abingdon and possibly even Bicester direct to the hospitals."

Managers have already spent £500,000 to cut down car use.

They have worked closely with bus companies to introduce new routes and cut-price tickets with a 20 per cent discount.

Staff parking was reduced 18 months ago, combined with £20 parking permits, forcing 150 drivers to use alternative transport.

About 400 bike racks have been built, as well as shower and changing facilities for cyclists. A car-share scheme has been launched with a free-ride-home scheme for those taking part, so they can use taxis in emergencies.

Mr Edwards said the schemes to entice staff out of their cars had already started to work. Within the past year, 200 employees have started using buses, joining 1,000 who already use public transport, while 11 per cent of staff -- nearly 1,000 out of 8,400 -- are cycling to work.

Mr Edwards said: "There are more people on their bikes and more people walking -- which is actually healthier for them and the environment."