KEY transport and business issues vital to the health of the fleet sector were at the heart of discussions last week between CBI director-general Sir Digby Jones and European officials in Brussels.

In meetings with new commissioners whose responsibilities embrace business and industry, he emphasised the need for open competition.

He said the CBI was encouraged by EC president Jose Manuel Barroso’s commitment to jobs and growth, and to fostering adaptable and flexible labour markets.

But Sir Digby is concerned that British and other European manufacturers could be hampered by legislation on working hours and other issues.

He said he wanted the commissioners to appreciate that it was unfair if British firms were handicapped by onerous targets when rivals in other European countries were not making the same commitment.

He was also worried about the likelihood that Department for Transport PowerShift grants, provided through the Energy Saving Trust for alternatively-fuelled vehicles, would cease from March 31. The EC is considering whether they are anti-competitive because not all carmakers build them.