FLEET managers are being urged to pick up now on indications within the Budget that the Government is determined that businesses must become more environmentally aware. They have been warned not to breathe too strong a sigh of relief following Gordon Brown's Budget speech.

More radical changes could be included in the transport white paper due to be published early this summer, and in future Budgets, said Association of Car Fleet Operators director Stewart Whyte. He added: 'The sensible approach is that we have been let off lightly for the moment, but the fleet industry must take this opportunity to respond to the overall trends highlighted. If fleet operators go ahead as they were and still buy their big cars and don't worry about fuel the Government will turn round in two years' time and say 'we warned you, now cop this'.'

An RAC spokesman also warned that the devil may be in the detail of the measures announced by the Chancellor - and in the transport white paper. TNT Express Worldwide fleet manager Simon Boggis said the Budget hinted strongly at the importance green fuels would play in future fleet management - and said wise fleets would take the hint.