THE Labour Government has backed two new guides which contain bold initiatives for environmentally-friendly management of fleets and green commuting. Minister of transport Gavin Strang launched the guides this week in the new Government's first direct involvement with the fleet market.

Environmental lobby groups London First, Transport 2000 and the Ashden Trust prepared the guides 'Changing Journeys to Work: an employers' guide to green commuter plans,' and 'Companies and Cars: the way forward.' The guides aim both to promote environmental awareness among fleet operators, and to encourage companies to investigate alternative transport arrangements.

'Changing Journeys to Work' explains how employers can implement green commuter plans, involving the use of car sharing, public transport and cycling. 'Companies and Cars' addresses the environmental and financial problems associated with company cars, and puts forward practical solutions which are both green and make sound financial sense.

'Changing Journeys to Work', price £30, is available from Transport 2000, Walkden House, 10 Melton Street, London, NW1 2EY; tel: 0171 388 8386. 'Companies and Cars' is available from The Ashden Trust, 9 Red Lion Court, London EC4A 3EB, on receipt of an A4 SAE valued 70p.