Hillingdon Council has received a silver Green Fleet Award for reducing the environmental impact of its vehicles and operations.

Now in its fifth year, the awards are organised by BAA and form part of its clean vehicles programme to improve air quality around Heathrow by helping companies on or around the airport to reduce vehicle pollution.

Cllr Keith Burrows, cabinet member for planning and transportation, said: "As a council we are actively working in all areas to reduce our carbon footprint."

There are currently 45 organisations that are participating in the programme, all of which are required to assess their current fleet operations and develop an action plan to make improvements.

The improvements include devising an effective vehicle maintenance regime, managing the number of trips and considering the use of alternative fuels.

BAA then considers the improvements made to decide whether a bronze, silver, gold or diamond award is appropriate in recognition of the commitment and effort.