Environmental pressures will irrevocably change the way British business operates and fleet managers are taking the lead in transforming working practices, a survey has found.

Already, a third of fleet managers have been involved in introducing measures to change driver practices and behaviour, such as video-conferencing and home- working, while half believe environmental issues and their fleet’s carbon footprint are a major focus in their businesses.

The results of the survey among a cross-section of its clients by fleet management company CLM suggest fleets are at the forefront of the green revolution.

Others had introduced directives and awareness strategies which they actively promoted within their organisations.

Asked a series of questions on how fleets felt they could best cut emissions and reduce their environmental impact, many fleets said they were seeking to reduce emissions and looking at viable alternatives to their existing fleets, including hybrid and electric vehicles or those using low- sulphur fuels.

And although 20% are planning new initiatives designed to cut emissions, 40% of those interviewed believed their existing policies were already proving effective and bringing them within set guidelines and target figures.

A minority, 10%, felt they were not in a position to influence or respond to environmental concerns considering the nature of their business and the vehicles required to fulfil the job need.

CLM managing director Tony Hulatt said: ‘It is encouraging that so many fleet managers are taking the issue of carbon emissions reduction seriously and putting in place policies to tackle the issue.’