BP, in association with Lucas and NewTech, is piloting a vehicle 'smart tag' system which aims to end credit and fuel card misuse for fleets. The FuelMaster system, which involves a tag which is installed on vehicles and then communicates with the forecourt computer, is being tested at 47 filling stations around the country.

If successful, it could be implemented across the UK by the end of this year. Developed by Altrincham-based NewTech, the system is automatically activated when the pump nozzle is inserted into the fuel tank. The system will then verify that the vehicle is authorised and that conditions set by the fleet operator are being met.

BP commercial transport sales manager Tim Livsey said: 'The BP FuelMaster system prevents driver misuse, such as refuelling unauthorised vehicles, and combines the ability to record the vehicle mileage with each and every transaction, offering commercial customers unparalleled security and accurate management information.'