FLEETS which maintain their cars according to specifications have little to fear from the air quality objectives. Technological developments and better car maintenance can help achieve standards outlined in 'The United Kingdom National Air Quality Strategy', says the AA.

Fleet cars are invariably 'cleanest' because they are the newest. RAC campaigns manager Edmund King said: 'We emission tested more than 100,000 vehicles and 10% cause 50% of the pollution. Fleet cars are in the best 25% because they are regularly serviced.'

A local authority 'smoke police' scheme involving on-the-spot fines for motorists driving polluting vehicles will be trialled in six cities shortly. The AA. wants a fairer fining system if cars fail the exhaust test, with environmental policy head Martin Maeso saying: 'The government insists the scheme is to be self-financing, which will encourage councils to fine every driver. Conscientious drivers should be given a short period of grace to allow them to fix the problem.'