FLEET managers could help their companies' chances of winning lucrative council contracts by switching to 'green' fuels, local authorities have revealed. Councils throughout the country are trying to lead the way in adopting new fuels and are using their policies to persuade other vehicle users to convert to gas or electric power and methods considered 'more environmentally-friendly' - including suggestions that chosen contractors should provide evidence that they have an environmentally-friendly transport policy.

The London Borough of Southwark is trying to set an example with its own fleet and by August it is hoping to have 68 of its 250-300-strong fleet running on liquefied petroleum gas, to replace diesels, in time for an exhibition and testing event on a date yet to be announced. At the event the council's fleet will be on show to local companies and private buyers to allow them to sample 'green' vehicles. It is also intending to become the first borough in the country to run electric Citroen Berlingos and has four on order, as well as four electric Peugeot 106s.

John Whitlow, head of corporate purchasing for the council, said: 'Something we might build into future contracts is that firms would have to have an environmental strategy. It would be an incentive to go 'green'.