FLEET decision-makers have had a direct input into the improvements on the the Energy Saving Trust (EST) website, which was recently revamped to make it simpler to use. This is a must when, in the EST's view, fleets need to focus on maximising the efficiency of their vehicles and fleet decision-makers are being offered Government cash to enable them to run more environmentally-friendly vehicles.

Government sites have tended to be baffling in their presentation of information – you'll need a team of sniffer dogs with X-ray vision to find them.

The EST site at www.transportenergy.org.uk has clearly been designed to address this.

The site takes the uninitiated by the hand and leads them in a logical way along a steep learning curve. So we begin with introductions to TransportEnergy and the influence it can have on vehicle choices for the individual and for employers. Then on to details of what a 'clean' vehicle is, fuel types, the type of fleets that can apply for grants (car and van/freight), developing travel plans, a free 'health check' and on to the various type of grants (Powershift, CleanUp, New Vehicle Technology and autogas+).

For each topic, there is a sub-menu with news updates on the availability of grants and criteria for meeting the grant requirements, as well as the holy grail for anyone considering this route, the Powershift Register listing the vehicles for which grants will be made available.

Finally, you arrive at the tools section, where you are able to download the grant application forms in Adobe Acrobat format or arrange to have one posted to you.

There are some technical reports, a useful links section on such topics as air quality, trade associations and fuel companies, and a news section with any story with a transport theme. TransportEnergy also scores top marks for aiding navigation with a site map. The site does a creditable job in guiding you through a potentially mindboggling topic. JB

Site: www.transportenergy.org.uk

Positive

  • Sticks to formulaic website design to ease learning process

    Negative

  • So much information that, despite the EST's best efforts, you may still find it too much to take in

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