FLEET buyers and managers' vital role in the push for cleaner vehicles has been recognised with the creation of a new Government fleet-specific committee to help them stay at the cutting edge of 'green' transport. The Cleaner Vehicles Task Force, a Government-industry partnership to encourage cleaner vehicles, which met last week for the second time, has formed six sub-groups, including a specific body to target fleet purchasers.

Its work is intended to clear some of the confusion surrounding fleet bosses over how to adapt their buying policies to keep in step with the Government's green agenda. James Langley, policy and support manager for PHH Vehicle Management Services, who is heading up the group, said: 'Fleet managers are desperately waiting for some guidance on what they should be doing, so it is difficult to divorce discussions from the forthcoming white paper on integrated transport. The majority of private drivers in this country are using ex-fleet vehicles, so fleet managers are key to changes for all motorists. If fleets get the right vehicles, then it affects everyone.'

Think-tank members have not met yet, but one of the topics under discussions will be to look at how fleet managers can be helped in the move to alternative fuels and what difficulties they face in converting their fleet. A second think-tank is also looking at alternative fuels in general market terms, including the barriers which make it difficult for motorists to move on to them and what is needed to make the transition easier. town centres.