ONE of the Government’s largest fleet operators has signed up to a programme that helps companies monitor the environmental performance of their fleet.

HM Customs and Excise hopes to achieve a 12% reduction in fuel use and a 3% reduction in mileage covered over a three-year period after joining the Energy Saving Trust’s (EST) TransportEnergy BestPractice Motorvate programme.

The scheme works as a five-star certification programme and members have access to fleet management tools. These include a number of independent benchmarking and auditing systems that help members implement various improvement strategies to reduce fleet costs and increase efficiency.

HM Customs and Excise national fleet manager John Webb said: ‘Although our fleet’s environmental performance is already one the of the best in Government, we are seeking reductions in running costs.

‘Membership will provide us with support enabling us to reduce fleet operating costs, improve the systems for implementing change and minimise the environmental impact of our fleet operations.’

Richard Tarboton, head of TransportEnergy, who along with Webb featured in the Fleet News Power List 2004 of the 50 most powerful influencers in the fleet industry, said reducing emissions could be achieved by driving behaviour, rather than just technology.

Tarboton said: ‘We are providing advice on the running of fleets to increase efficiency.

‘TransportEnergy Best-Practice has helped to reduce carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions by more than 143,000 tonnes since its inception. I am pleased that Government fleets are taking their environmental responsibilities seriously and hope others follow.’