A BLUEPRINT for a national network of low emission zones has paved the way for fleets with vehicles that are considered too polluting to be 'locked out' of town centres. The plan, published in a report by the National Society for Clean Air and Environmental Protection, has prompted new warnings that fleet managers must take formal training to cope with the new pressures they face.

Called 'Low emission zones: reducing the environmental impact of vehicles in urban areas', the report - which is aimed at local authorities - said councils could introduce LEZs immediately, under the current Road Traffic Reduction Act. It says that zones should be introduced in conjunction with other traffic reduction initiatives, which could in future include congestion charging and workplace parking charges but must also include improvements in public transport. A first step would be the use of voluntary agreements with groups including fleets, followed by mandatory schemes.

Speaking at the launch, junior transport minister Lord Whitty said training for fleet managers was key to ensuring that companies chose the right vehicles to avoid being shut out of town centres. He said: 'A greater degree of training would be beneficial to cope with the sort of pressures they now face. If this improves their standing within the company, then so much the better.'