A FUEL-saving device designed to benefit the environment has proved successful in the early stages of trials with a Government department. But the results from the Department of Social Security are being disregarded by fellow Government departments who are taking a lot more time in their tests.

The DSS has published a report detailing the improvements it found in using an in-line fuel catalyst on six vehicles in its 3,500 strong fleet. Results have shown a 60% drop in toxic emissions and a 7% increase in efficiency.

Several other Government departments are also looking at the possibilities of in-line fuel catalysts, but so far their testing is only on paper and hasn't moved on to vehicles. These departments include the Inland Revenue and Scottish Office and the research is being led by HM Customs and Excise.

Tony Burkes, national fleet manager for Customs and Excise, said: 'The DSS results are all well and good, but we would like to take a little more time and come up with some more meaningful results. As a group we want to do it properly, and this does mean time. We will probably not be looking at one catalyst, but a couple to compare the differences when we actually get to fitting them to vehicles.'