FLEETS are being urged to choose the right alternative-fuelled vehicles which most suit their working conditions. The call comes from Jonathan Murray, programme manager of Powershift, the Government funded initiative which provides grants of up to 75% towards the costs of using clean fuelled vehicles.

Murray told fleet managers they should chose their vehicles carefully rather than rushing headlong into buying alternative fuelled vehicles for the sake of operating a green fleet. He said: 'It is important to look at which vehicle you want, from which manufacturer and what the levels of emissions are.'

His view was backed by Ian Smith, fleet manager for the London Borough of Southwark, which has a fleet of 87 gas-powered vehicles, 191 which run on clean diesel, 14 petrol and eight electric vehicles. Smith said: 'It is important to tailor your fleet. Use LPG if it suits your fleet but electric if it is more suitable.'