A NEW scheme which commends fleet operators and company car drivers who take action to beat air pollution has been launched by Westminster City Council. Under the project - believed to be the first of its kind in the UK - a special green pennant will be awarded to businesses and residents who have taken action to reduce exhaust emissions from their cars, buses, trucks or taxis. The pennant, in the form of a printed oval badge, will be affixed to the rear of the vehicle to highlight clean, green drivers in Westminster.

The first pennant was awarded to Alison Austin, environmental manager of J Sainsbury. Councillor Jonathan Lord, chairman of the council's environment sub-committee said: 'We are hoping that those fleet operators without a green pennant will become an exception in Westminster. We can't eradicate traffic from the City, but we can introduce measures to alleviate the problems it causes.'

Businesses eligible to participate in the scheme must be based in the City of Westminster or regularly operate within its boundaries. Vehicle operators can claim the green pennant award if: