LEADING public sector fleet chiefs have emphasised that good environmental practice means good economic practice. At a Volvo-sponsored Green Fleet Conference, senior fleet decision-makers highlighted how a green commitment could pay dividends.

John Bradley, Hampshire Constabulary's fleet manager, said: 'As a fleet manager of a police vehicle fleet that covers in excess of 15 million miles a year I feel I have a duty of care to implement an environmental strategy. Hampshire Constabulary spends £1.3 million a year on fuel. Anything that can be done to reduce fuel costs will also benefit the environment by reducing harmful emissions.'

Bradley, who is responsible for a fleet of 800 cars, vans and motorcycles, called on fleet managers to look at the big picture when developing a transport policy, and called for companies to develop e-commerce strategies to reduce the miles driven by sales reps.

Oxford City Council is determined to set a good example with its fleet of 400 vehicles, 14 of which are electric Peugeot 106s. It is also doubling its fleet of gas-powered vehicles to 18. Maurice Goodin, director, city works, Oxford City Council, said: 'The council's fleet is an example that an environmentally-friendly fleet policy can be financially viable if fleet managers make the right choices. We have gone as far as we can to take the economic factors into consideration.'

John Down, a management consultant at Wiltshire County Council, is involved in making staff business travel 'greener'. We are trying to get drivers out of their old cars and into new cars, giving the council greater control over fuel costs and carbon dioxide emissions,' he said. 'As a local authority we have a responsibility to be seen as 'green'. The council is also testing car share schemes and more use of public transport.'