NATIONWIDE demand for alternative fuels in fleets is being held up because of the lack of refuelling sites, according to contract hire and transport solutions firm TransLinc. The firm says contracts covering hundreds of vehicles could be won if oil companies were prepared to invest more heavily in the growing alternative fuels market.

Oil companies say they are committed to alternative fuels, with Shell pledging £10 million to open 200 gas filling stations throughout the UK, making liquefied petroleum gas available to 80% of the population by 2001 while Jet and BP have also promised investment in sites. But TransLinc says an even more committed investment programme is needed to back manufacturers such as Vauxhall, Ford and Volvo which have ploughed money into producing vehicles which can be compared favourably with conventionally-fuelled models.

Brian West, managing director of Lincolnshire-based TransLinc, said: 'We have trialled a succession of dual-fuel motor vehicles and so far we have been particularly impressed. It is all very well for the Government to make noises about formulating a transport policy that also demonstrates a viable response to ecological needs, but until LPG, which is such a major contributor to the eco-debate, can be properly handled in the UK, there is very little point.'