THE Department of Social Security has received an official vote of confidence in its efforts to lead by example by creating the greenest fleet in Government. It now has a fleet of 27 dual fuel vehicles which run on liquefied petroleum or petrol, following a delivery of 12 LPG Vauxhall Astras last week.

It is investing around £5 million in creating a 200 strong fleet of clean fuelled vehicles, taking to heart Government demands for fleets to take on alternative fuels. Following the hand-over of the latest batch of vehicles, junior social security minister Angela Eagle, who presented the keys to three drivers at a special ceremony outside DSS headquarters in London, said: 'I am delighted the DSS is leading the way by ordering cars which are amongst the cleanest around. We recognise the need to implement an environmentally responsible transport policy.'

In response, junior transport minister Glenda Jackson said: 'I warmly welcome the department's commitment to green its car fleet through its ongoing programme of purchasing cleaner LPG bi-fuel vehicles. It shows how departments are taking the lead in reducing the environmental impact of their transport activities, as part of the Government's commitment to implement transport plans across its entire estate.'