You could receive £3,000 by giving up your car in favour of public transport

BRITISH drivers could receive thousands by leaving their car in their driveway and taking public transport to work.

A UK-first trial aiming to cut congestion and air pollution across the country is set to be launched later this year, and it could see more money in motorists' pockets.

Taking place in Coventry, the pilot program will give drivers up to £3,000 for public transport, electric vehicle car hire and bike-sharing schemes.

The plans will see credit added to a travel card and smartphone app to be spent on alternate modes of transport to help reduce pollution.

The trial will act as a test to find out how much money it takes for motorists to change their driving habits.

Documents presented at a West Midlands Combined Authority meeting state the trial will "stimulate a long-term sustainable shift in travel behaviour".

The program comes as drivers prepare to fork out higher fees for vehicles driven through central London.

From April 8, drivers whose vehicles don't meet new emissions standards will be charged £12.50 to drive through the capital.

John Seddon, head of transport and innovation at Coventry City Council, said around 100 people would initially take part in the trial, funded by a £20million Department for Transport award.