LOCAL authorities could be forced to run more alternative-fuel vehicles as part of a Government initiative to increase the penetration of green vehicles in urban areas. Transport Minister Glenda Jackson has confirmed that the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions is 'actively considering setting targets for the proportion of low emission vehicles that local authorities should try to achieve in their fleets'.

A Local Government Association spokesman said major progress towards greening local authority fleets would only happen when they gained revenue-raising powers such as congestion charging. Jackson, however, reminded authorities of their obligations to review and assess air quality and to implement action plans to improve it if they believe the objectives laid down in the National Air Quality Strategy will not be met.