DEVON and Cornwall Police has taken a novel approach to meeting demands for fleets to become more environmentally friendly by taking a City-L three-wheeled electric buggy on trial. The clean machine is the only one of its type in the country and was spotted by one of the force's officers, Pc Oliver Tayler, who thought the £4,500 machine would be a good mode of transport for his work as a youth liaison officer.

Despite taunts that the vehicle has more than a hint of Noddy's car about it, the force is serious about the benefits it can bring during its month-long trial. With a range of 30 miles and a top speed of 30mph, it is unlikely to find much use on a high-mileage fleet, but importer Buzz UK says it can see a niche market for fleets looking for an eye-catching way to get about.

Already 5,000 of the City-Ls have been sold in Germany by manufacturer Citycom for private use in cities. Buzz UK also imports electric bicycles and mopeds from China, mainly aimed at private customers.