PANIC buying at the petrol pumps last week fuelled a sharp rise in interest in a car-sharing website.

As queues were building up at petrol stations across Gwent last week more people logged on to the website to check whether they could share a lift.

Since it was launched in June, 700 motorists - mainly from Newport and Cardiff - have signed up and last week there were nearly 100 new names on the list.

Martin Dolan manages the site for Cwmbran-based transport consultants Capita Symonds.

He said: "Because of the increase in fuel prices and the panic last week there was a big rise in interest.

"If people take it in turns to make the same journey they can cut their fuel bill in half.

"Figures show if people car share regularly they have the potential to save £1,000 - that's a really good holiday."

On the back of this interest the company is now promoting the scheme to major employers in Newport including the Office of National Statistics.

"Employers like the ONS, Lloyds and the Patent Office have all received promotional material and they are all very keen to get involved," said Mr Dolan.

Interested motorists can log on to a database to search for people from their area who have a similar destination. They can then approach them and make the journey together.

"The website is free," said Mr Dolan. "People can leave their email address or phone number on it so others can make contact."

Backed by the National Assembly, South East Wales Transport Alliance (SEWTA), which covers ten local authorities, came up with the idea. "It is an excellent way of cutting down on congestion and helping the environment," said Mr Dolan.

Last week the threat of protests saw panic-buying at the pumps. Many Gwent garages ran dry, but fuel shipments were not disrupted. On Friday motorists held a go slow protest on the M4. The website is at www.sewtacarshare.com