THE Mayor of London, Ken Livingstone, has backed a series of guides by TransportEnergy to encourage fleets to reduce the environmental impact of their vehicles.

The guides are aimed at fleet decision-makers throughout the country, not just in London, and TransportEnergy claims they will help save money alongside the environmental benefits they highlight.

Livingstone said: 'Air pollution blights London. By taking some very simple measures to clean up their vehicles, fleet operators can play an important role in helping improve air quality in the capital. And it may well reduce their costs as well.'

The Fleet Operators' Guides are called Cleaner Fuelled Vehicles, Reducing Emissions from Diesel Vehicles and Green Fleet Management. Cleaner Fuelled Vehicles is aimed at fleets looking at adopting an alternatively-fuelled fleet. It provides advice on liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), compressed natural gas (CNG), electric vehicles and petrol-electric hybrid cars. It looks at the environmental advantages, capital and running costs, available grants, tax implications and other issues.

Reducing Emissions from Diesel Vehicles examines exhaust after-treatment technologies and cleaner diesel fuels, including the environmental advantages, financial implications including grants and maintenance issues.

Green Fleet Management offers fleets advice on managing fuel consumption, reducing mileage and educating drivers. Colin Matthews, head of customer services for TransportEnergy said: 'Grants are available to encourage organisations to clean up sooner.'

The publications are available free of charge by calling 0845 6021425, or via the TransportEnergy website at www.transportenergy. org.uk or via the GLA website at www.london.gov.uk.