THOUSANDS of company car drivers are being asked their views on company car taxation as part of an environmental research project. Businesses have been sent 12,000 questionnaires to distribute to drivers, asking for their opinions on possible options for changing the taxation system. So far 3,000 have responded.

The survey forms part of a research project by social and environmental charity the Ashden Trust and London First, a consortium of private sector companies which campaigns for a better transport system in order to promote the capital as a world-class city. The study examines widely held opinions about company vehicles and the company car taxation system and will result in a report due to be published by the end of June. The project is being overseen by a steering group of businesses and environmental groups.

Late last year fleet operators were asked to give their views to the Trust on issues including the effect of the taxation system and widespread assumptions such as whether company car drivers had more powerful cars and were involved in more accidents than others.