A new campaign has been launched to try to encourage more commuters to use the city's park and ride services.

It is hoped that city centre traffic can be reduced and commuters can save themselves money, as the service aims to be self-sufficient.

John Lewis, Marks & Spencer and City College Norwich are supporting the campaign with discounted tickets for their staff in September. There will also be offers for a ten-trip ticket for �19, which is a 10pc saving, and other taster tickets and offers.

The campaign will be supported by retro advertising across the city and on the buses themselves.

The service operates from six sites around the city. It was set up and run by Norfolk County Council, but next year it is hoped it will be able to fund itself.

Graham Plant, Norfolk county council cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: 'Norwich has an excellent park and ride service that is second to none nationally, so it's not surprising it already attracts a loyal band of commuters who recognise that it represents outstanding value for money when compared with the cost of city centre parking.

'Park and ride commuters can save well over �500 compared to the cost of driving into the city centre to park. That's not only good for household budgets; it's money that can be spent on other things locally. And by keeping unnecessary traffic out of the city centre, Norwich's reputation as one of the country's top shopping destinations is protected and enhanced.'

The cost of parking and taking the bus is �2.30 - but less with season tickets or car sharing - and benefits from bus priority lanes.

Mr Plant added: 'Our Big Conversation consultation told us that people valued park and ride and did not want to see any of the six sites completely closed. I am confident that our campaign will help to increase revenue, and protect the service for the future, and Norwich park and ride will be able to pay its own way, without support from the council tax.'

•To find and buying the best type of ticket, check bus times and routes, and details of free onward travel between Norwich Bus station, Castle Meadow, Upper King Street and Anglia Square, visit www.norfolk.gov.uk/parkandride

There is also a way of calculating fuel savings.