THE Government Car and Despatch Agency has announced plans for three-quarters of all its vehicle acquisitions this year to be alternatively-fuelled or exempt from the London congestion charge.

Its commitment was revealed last Friday in a written answer in the House of Commons. As part of the commitment, the Government also plans to reduce the carbon dioxide exhaust emissions from the vehicle fleet by 2% compared to March 2002.

The fleet is responsible for driving cabinet ministers around the country and encompasses both the Government Car Service for transporting ministers, and the Interdespatch Service that delivers mail between Government buildings.

It was one of the earliest adopters of LPG cars, but has also been investigating the use of diesel vehicles fitted with particulate filters.