FLEET managers have been challenged to join the transport debate and tell the world about the excellence of the British fleet industry and not to bury their heads in the sand and offer tame excuses. To protect the fleet market, the fleet profession and jobs in the fleet industry, fleet chiefs must join the debate and make their voices heard by talking about the world-leading initiatives being taken.

The call to arms came from Roger Glenwright, group fleet manager in Siemens Group Services and a counsel member of the Institute of Car Fleet Management, as the Government, under pressure from environmental pressure groups, seeks to curtail car usage and introduce an integrated transport strategy.

In a passionate conference plea he said: 'Politically and environmentally we're a soft option - an easy target, not enough votes among us, or even our business car drivers, to worry a political party very much, especially one just elected by a landieselide. But we don't need to be. The profession of fleet management is a good profession contributing economically and environmentally positively to this country.

'Stand up and do something about the environmental concerns. Stand up and speak out about the real environmental benefits of first class fleet management. Meet the challenge.'