People who left their cars at home and came into Maidstone by some other means were treated with tasty rewards.

A free mini breakfast was on offer at various checkpoints in town as part of In Town Without My Car Day.

The car-free day was the culmination of Maidstone Goes Green Week, promoting different forms of transport throughout the week, organised by Kent County and Maidstone councils, Town Centre Management and the KM Walk to School charity.

Five members of the Kent Messenger newsroom did their bit. Three staff walked to work while another took the Park and Ride and another caught the bus.

During the week different forms of transport, including bike, car sharing, walk to school schemes and bus travel have been promoted.

Martin Humphrey and Kim Brown, from Penenden Heath, were among those who decided to try a different form of transport.

Mr Humphrey said: "We usually try and walk into town which takes about 20 minutes, but cycling in only took seven minutes.

"I do support what Green Week is trying to do, but some of the roads on the outskirts of Maidstone can be quite dangerous for cyclists and the town could do with a few more cycle ways."

Delia Roberts, from Bearsted, uses a bike or walks for local journeys. She said: "I was going to cycle to Tesco anyway, but decided to extend the journey and come into town.

"The roads could be a bit safer for cyclists as there are often cracks or raised manhole covers on them."

Marjan Desmet, from Penenden Heath, used the day to organise a group walk into town, once children had been dropped off at school.

KCC’s travel planner, Jacqui Elliott, added: "We are expecting data to come through from the Traffic Management Centre later today to determine if the day has been a success."

Mr & Mrs Sheppard, 78 and 80, from Gillingham caught the bus into Maidstone.

Mr Sheppard said: "We usually catch the bus in as we have a free bus pass and the service is good.

"We support what the council is trying to do and think for the elderly the buses are the best option.

"However, for younger people cars are easier and cheaper and the only way to get them into town without them would be on Park and Ride."

Karine Denton, 28, from Chatham used the Park and Ride scheme to get to work.

"I normally use the Park and Ride as it works really well.

"I think the current system where every passenger in the car has to pay for the bus can make it too expensive and doesn’t encourage car-sharing.

"Leaving your car at home is a good idea in theory, however its success will largely depend on people’s circumstances."

Jo Tyler-Cole, 37, from Barming took the bus to work.

"I vary how I get into town between bus, car and walking. The public transport is really good apart from at night when there are no buses to get you home.

"I’ve seen the campaign on the internet and posters and hope it will change people’s habits.

"Trying to get some people to leave their car at home will be like trying to remove a limb!"

To find out more about Maidstone Goes Green Week, click here.