THE new Lord Mayor of London is taking the driving seat in setting fleets an example on how to reduce emissions and guarantee future access to town centres. Clive Martin dispensed with a Bentley used by last year's Lord Mayor in favour of a liquefied petroleum gas-powered experimental TX1taxi, registration T12 GAS.

A spokesman for the Corporation of London said the Lord Mayor, who is keeping a Rolls-Royce Phantom for ceremonial duties, was eager to demonstrate the important choices facing drivers to combat pollution. His comments come as Westminster City Council prepares to become the first authority in the country to introduce low emissions zones, to block city streets to polluting vehicles.