BRITAIN'S largest green fleet, Humberside Constabulary, is acting as a guiding light for companies and organisations wanting to 'go green' following the runaway success of its own scheme. The force has converted 180 of its 434-strong car and van fleet to run on liquefied petroleum gas, and is now achieving annual fuel savings of £180,000 compared to an equivalent petrol-powered fleet.

It expects the savings to top £200,000 once the green fleet increases to 200 vehicles this year. Alan Hocking, fleet and supplies manager for the force, said a network of 17 in-house refuelling sites, along with two forecourt sites run by Shell, provides the fuel for the LPG fleet. This is largely Proton vehicles, but also includes Ford Escorts and Mercedes Sprinters, and Hocking will become one of the first customers for Ford's in-house LPG Mondeo and Transit models, with 15 vans and one car expected to join his fleet this year.

His work has also helped to educate local authorities in Lincolnshire about the safety aspects of the fuel, allowing faster planning approval for new refuelling sites and overcoming public concerns. 'We have been contacted by other organisations, including the Army, which sought our advice on running costs, before it invested in 17 vehicles,' he said.