MOTORAIL has launched the second of its cars-on-train services, providing a link between London and the West Country. The company launched a London to Scotland service earlier this year, and claims the services provide companies with opportunities to make considerable savings in their fleet budgets and improve the working efficiency of their staff.

Motorail says a round trip between either the Scottish or West Country destinations will save fleets between £100 and £700 in the cost of fuel, food and accommodation for drivers. The cost of a London to Penzance return journey for a car and driver will vary from £390 during high season to £259 in low season.

The Scottish and West Country services are together expected to take about 20,000 vehicles a year from the motorways by 2001. At the launch of the West Country service - between London Paddington and Penzance - a Government spokesman said: 'It is very much in line with our integrated transport objectives, providing an alternative to the private car which will cut congestion and pollution.