LEX Vehicle Leasing is urging fleets which operate from more than one location to consider video-conferencing in a bid to slash fuel costs and reduce vehicle emissions.

Since Lex introduced video- conferencing as part of its environmental policy just over three years ago, the company has saved £69,000 in fuel costs and cut mileage by 717,200 miles, preventing 200 tonnes of carbon dioxide from being pumped into the atmosphere.

Statistics show that between 2000 and 2003, thousands of Lex staff attended video meetings, spending the equivalent of 410 working weeks in the office as opposed to travelling between the group's Marlow and Sale offices.

The firm also believes that stress levels are brought down, as well as improving safety.

Jon Walden, managing director of Lex Vehicle Leasing, said: 'We have reduced the need for employees to drive simply to attend one meeting by investing in video-conferencing. They can spend an hour in the video room and then return to their desk, which means they can spend more time with customers.'

Lex is also looking to link the equipment in with its branches in India and America, predicting it could bring further savings. As part of its environmental policy, Lex has also encouraged employees to opt for smaller, more fuel-efficient vehicles, as well as stepping up recycling.