REMARKETING giant BCA believes the fact that many Government departments are missing their own targets on environmentally-friendly motoring adds to the debate on the benefits and costs for fleets wanting to go green.

The company was responding to findings that many departments had failed to meet a March 31 deadline to reduce carbon emissions by 10%, ensure 10% of the fleet was alternatively fuelled and reduce single occupancy car commuting by 5% (Fleet NewsNet, April 6).

BCA’s director of customer affairs, Tom Madden, said: ‘While the corporate will to go green is there from the fleet industry, there are some cold hard facts that keep getting in the way.

‘The cost of ownership is relatively high, the net benefits in terms of the environment can be questionable and most second users won’t pay for environmental considerations anyway.’

As part of the annual Used Car Market report research, BCA asks motorists how important the environment is when choosing a used car. Madden added: ‘Every year it barely registers on the chart. Ask them about colour, model or price and you will get extensive feedback – that’s what used car buyers care about.’