A GROUND-breaking Government scheme to slash company fuel costs and clean up the environment wants every fleet in the country to take part. Motorvate sets targets for fleets to improve fuel efficiency and lower total emissions from transport and was launched with the backing of six fleets, including some of the most high-profile names in the country.

The RAC was the first to publicly show its support for the drive to help the environment - followed by the Department of Social Security, Lex Vehicle Leasing, Whitbread, Nexus, UK Atomic Energy Establishment police force and Suffolk Fire Brigade.

The scheme, which costs £500–£1,000 per year to join, sets simple targets for improving fuel efficiency and environmental performance of a fleet. About 150 fleets are expected to sign up over the next year.

The core target is a reduction of 12% in a fleet's CO2 emissions over three years, 3% of which must be achieved through mileage cuts. A 200 vehicle fleet could save £34,000 a year by meeting Motorvate targets, the initiative claims.

Speaking at the launch, during World Environment Week, Transport Minister Lord Macdonald, said: 'Motorvate is good for business and good for the environment. Fleet managers can play a central role in reducing the environmental impact of company cars and vans and I am delighted to be welcoming the first fleets to Motorvate. They are showing how seriously they take their environmental responsibilities.'

Environment minister Michael Meacher, told the launch of the initiative in London: 'This is relevant to fleets of all types and sizes and the mix of fleets that have joined up so far should prove this.'

• To access the Motorvate site click on the Buyers' guide menu button (left) and go to the Associations and official bodies section.