PETROL and diesel shortages caused by demonstrations over high fuel prices could provide the perfect springboard to encourage fleets to join Motorvate, the ground-breaking scheme helping fleets slash fuel costs and clean up the environment through best practice.

More than 100 fleets have shown interest in the scheme, launched in June this year, which sets three-year targets for fleets to improve fuel efficiency and lower total emissions. It is hoping to sign up 150 fleets in the next three years and with 90 information packs sent out, the organisation is aiming to exceed its expectation of 30 sign-ups in its first year of operation.

However, with the crisis over fuel caused by lorry drivers and farmers blockading refineries, fleet managers could sign up to the scheme in larger numbers as they search for ways to cut fuel use.

The scheme costs between £500 and £1,000 to join depending on fleet size and introduces core targets of a 12% reduction in carbon dioxide emissions over three years, 3% of which must be achieved through mileage reductions.

Before committing to a reduction, fleets must assess their fuel use, emissions and total mileage before setting a target.

The RAC, Lex Vehicle Leasing, the Department of Social Security, BBC, Whitbread, Nexus (the Tyne & Wear Passenger Transport Executive), UKEA Constabulary and Suffolk Fire Brigade were the first to publicly commit to the scheme.

Amid the current fuel crisis, Paul MacDonald, manager of the Motorvate scheme for AEA Technology, said: 'It is important that fleets now sign up and show a definite commitment to the scheme. It is not just for the environmental benefit, but for the financial benefits they can achieve from cutting fuel use and reducing vehicle-running costs.

'We have had a lot of interest so far and a number of fleets have also logged on to our website. With the problems facing fleets over fuel prices, they would benefit a lot from reviewing their operations.'

Starting next month, a series of free half-day seminars will highlight the opportunities for improving the environmental performance of fleets and include a presentation by Motorvate. Plans are already in place for a seminar on October 24 in Nottingham and October 26 in Bristol, followed by York on November 2 and London on November 9.