PHH Vehicle Management Services has called on the Government to give clear direction to businesses on clean-fuelled vehicles. The Swindon-based company, which as well as being the UK's largest fleet management company also operates the AllStar, Dialcard and Overdrive fuel cards, made its call in response to the recent Powershift conference.

PHH says that while the 'financial carrot' being offered by Powershift may be tempting, many businesses will be reluctant to invest in clean fuelled vehicles unless they receive some clear message on what Government intends to do to ensure there is an adequate network of convenient fuel sites.

Keith Greenhead, divisional manager, fuels at PHH, said: 'It is impossible for businesses to seriously consider investing in clean-fuelled vehicles while the Government merely encourages virtually any form of alternative fuel. When they wanted us to switch to unleaded fuel the actions they left us in no doubt about what they wanted and reassured us that our investment would be worthwhile.

'The present situation is similar to the debate surrounding Betamax and VHS video recorders in the 1980s, with manufacturers, oil companies and fleet operators reluctant to choose between the clean fuels available until they receive direct policy statements from the Government.'