TRANSPORT minister David Jamieson has praised vehicle manufacturers for their efforts to improve vehicle emissions and safety.

Speaking during a visit to Ford's engineering centre, in Dunton, Essex, Jamieson said: 'The advanced vehicle technologies I have seen today will become commonplace over the next few years, cutting road accidents and injuries and making our towns and cities cleaner, more pleasant places to live and work.'

Ford's clean fuel Transit, power by liquefied petroleum gas and the electric Th!nk car drew particular praise.

Jamieson added: 'LPG versions of vehicles such as the Ford Transit are much cleaner and quieter than their diesel equivalents delivering substantial environmental benefits, especially in congested town and city centres.

'Electric vehicle technology has progressed rapidly in recent years, as the Th!nk car shows. These vehicles are ideal for urban use, being zero emission, quiet and able to keep up with traffic. They also cost much less to run than diesel or petrol vehicles.'

The Th!nk is already being trialled by fleets throughout the country, including the Cabinet Office.