THE Government-sponsored Cleaner Vehicles Task Force (CVTF) will next month unveil plans for an awards scheme that recognises fleets and leasing companies which achieve cuts in vehicle emissions. The voluntary Green Fleet Certification Scheme could be up and running by next year if there is enough support from companies, and a detailed development paper is already being circulated.

Under the scheme - which is set to be unveiled next month as part of the CVTF's first report - fleets would earn a certificate if they met individual targets for cutting mileage and emissions. The task force was set up as a joint initiative between the Government and the motor industry to promote the use of existing and emerging environmental technologies, and has said its top priority is to encourage fleets to buy 'greener' cars.

The awards will be presented as part of the CVTF's ideas for guidance for fleet purchasers, one of five areas it has been investigating, including alternative fuels, forecourt emissions testing and information and labelling. As part of an ongoing campaign to win support for the planned scheme, the CVTF will be targeting fleet managers with a presentation at the Association of Fleet Managers' annual conference on May 20.