While KCC has pioneered a number of high-profile public transport initiatives and councillors frequently encourage residents to use public transport more, when it comes to council business, most prefer their own cars.

KCC’s 84 members claimed £150,760 in mileage in 2007-2008 to attend County Hall meetings - 15 times more than the £10,047 claimed for travelling on trains and buses on official council business - meaning they travelled enough miles to take them round the world one-and-a-half times.

The councillor with the greenest travel credentials was Labour deputy leader Cllr Derek Smyth, who was the only politician who claimed more for public transport fares - £1,140 - than he did for car mileage - £368.

Mr Smyth said: "I take the train whenever possible, even if it takes longer to get somewhere. I appreciate it is not easy for all councillors to do that but do I think they should be doing more to use public transport? Yes."

Canterbury county councillor and cabinet member for public health Cllr Graham Gibbens can also stake a claim to having led by example by using public transport. He claimed £1,664 for fares and £2,478 for mileage.

Meanwhile, Cllr Keith Ferrin, the cabinet member responsible for roads and transport policy, claimed just £41 for travel on public transport compared to £3,220 for mileage.

Cllr Nick Chard said it was not always possible for councillors to get to official council meetings using public transport. "People do have to weigh up the balance between convenience and cost. I am sure members do use public transport when they can but it can take a great deal of time and may not be cheaper," he said.