THE market for cleaner fuelled vehicles is expected to grow rapidly over the next few years according to alternative fuels programme Powershift. The budget for Powershift grants has risen from under £1 million five years ago to more than £10 million this year, and a market survey by the Government-backed agency predicts the cleaner fuelled vehicle market to grow from around 15,000 units in 2000 to more than 50,000 in 2002.

Jonathan Murray, head of transport at the Energy Saving Trust, responsible for distributing Powershift grants, told Agenda for Action: 'It's about creating a sustainable market, allowing these fuels to become viable in the UK.'

The number of Powershift grants awarded over the last four years show local authorities are the biggest users of cleaner fuelled vehicles with 988, followed by vehicle hire on 485, and the emergency services on 275.

Murray said no single type of fuel would dominate as cleaner fuels become more common, and people will choose the particular type of fuel and vehicle which best suits their needs. He said hydrogen fuel cells would not be seen in widescale application for at least another decade.