A HEARTFELT plea has been made to oil companies for them to work together with the Government to co-ordinate the roll-out of alternative fuel filling sites more quickly throughout the country. Jonathan Murray, manager of the Energy Saving Trust's Powershift programme, which provides grants to encourage the purchase of alternative-fuelled vehicles, said he could help target new refuelling sites where there would be most demand for clean fuels.

Speaking at the third annual City of Westminster Driving the Change conference, Murray said: 'I want to say to fuel suppliers and local authorities let us work together on making plans so your infrastructure is focused around where vehicles are being bought. That also makes sure that where fleets are buying alternative fuel vehicles, there will be refuelling points available.'

A co-ordinated approach would also avoid the duplication of supply from rival companies in the same areas, a waste of resources when the infrastructure is so small at present. Murray added: 'If you are a fuel supplier in this market place, then come and talk to me because it could cause a potential hiccup from not working in partnership now.'