A NEW survey which reveals that 82% of people expect to be driving gas or electric cars by 2010 should boost fleet interest in alternative fuels, according to Powershift - the Government-funded clean fuel vehicle initiative run by the Energy Saving Trust. The survey of 912 drivers, carried out by Powershift at the London Motor Show, found that 62% would consider moving over to alternative fuels within five years, and 77% within 10 years.

Neil Wallis, programme manager alternative fuels, said that such results gave a clear message to companies that operating clean vehicles was good for their public image - and would also give fuel suppliers the confidence to expand refuelling networks. 'From the refuelling point of view there will be potential long-term benefits for the fleet operator and the fact that the public is clearly keen will translate into the fact that they will feel positive about companies and fleets which take that step,' he said.

The survey, co-funded by Transco, PowerGen and Calor Gas, also revealed that 90% of respondents were not satisfied that the Government was doing enough to promote use of alternative fuels. Nearly 80% said they would be encouraged to make the investment if a preferential free parking system was introduced, 85% if there were more places to refuel, 87% if the cost of converting or buying such a vehicle was cheaper and 63% if there were more taxes and restrictions on petrol or diesel vehicles.