FLEETS are being told to stop complaining about the annual fuel tax escalator while, at the same time, they go on wasting millions of pounds each year through inefficient fuel use. The Government is said to be 'fed up' at being on the receiving end of criticism of its fuel tax policy while its accusers fail to put their own houses in order.

The Government is pursuing a commitment to raise fuel prices by 6% above inflation annually until the year 2010 but critics such as the AA and RAC say the policy will not reduce car use, particularly among companies that will simply absorb the additional costs. However, such criticism has prompted a strong response from the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions.

Katharine Robinson, an adviser on the DETR initiative - the Energy Efficiency Best Practice Programme - said: 'The Government is fed up and disappointed with fleet managers, and the industry in general, complaining about fuel costs. Our research shows that only a small fraction of companies know how much they're spending on fuel, so how can they complain about prices? The message the Government is sending is 'We will listen to you when you put your own house in order'.'