THE Government's commitment to an integrated public transport system is backed by fleet chiefs, according to a new survey by PHH Vehicle Management Services.

The near-200 respondents to the survey of PHH AllStar Fuelcard clients agreed that the key issue facing the new Government was improving public transport followed by diverting freight from roads and stricter penalties on polluting vehicles. Some fleet chiefs also called for a ban on vehicles in city centres.

Almost two-thirds of fleet managers said that making better use of public transport would have the most effect on easing current traffic congestion and transport-related problems. Less than 50% of respondents had considered introducing alternative fuelled vehicles to their fleets, while 24% of car and van fleet operators had thought about introducing alternative fuels but had taken no action. However, 7% of fleets questioned were using alternative fuels.