ALTERNATIVE fuels are not the only way for fleets to go 'green' according to a key figure in one of the UK's most environmentally-friendly councils. Councillor Catherine Longworth, chairman of Westminster City Council's environment sub committee, said driver training and regular maintenance of vehicles were immediate ways for fleets to improve their environmental performance, as well as reduce their running and insurance costs.

She is calling on fleet managers to educate drivers on the impact they are having by accelerating too hard or not maintaining vehicles. Longworth has even suggested fleet managers bring in a bonus scheme to reward drivers who achieve the best improvement in miles per gallon or fuel costs.

She said: 'Alternative fuels are a very important way forward, but fleets can have an immediate and dramatic effect on efficiency and emissions simply by educating drivers. Both small and large fleets will notice the difference, it is well known that if the speed drops, the efficiency increases. But then there is also the knock-on effect with less accidents, wear and tear on vehicles, downtime, and reduced insurance premiums. Companies and local authorities alike could look at a reward scheme for the most environmentally friendly driver.'