SIX of Britain's best known fleets are set to be founder members of a ground-breaking Government scheme to slash company fuel costs and clean up the environment.

Motorvate, the innovative scheme which sets targets for fleets to improve fuel efficiency and reduce vehicle emissions this week confirmed the RAC's 2,000-plus patrol and company car fleet would join the initiative along with five other undisclosed UK fleets.

Officially launched on June 6, the three-year contract for the Department of Environment, Transport and the Regions scheme has been awarded to Oxfordshire-based AEA Technology.

It hopes to attract around 150 fleets, operating about 40,000 vehicles to the scheme – unveiled to fleets at last month's NEC, Birmingham Fleet Show.

Participating fleets must pay a registration fee and assess their fuel use, emissions and total mileage, before committing to a reduction plan. Motorvate's core target is a 12% reduction in a fleet's carbon dioxide emissions over three years - 3% of which must come from reduced business mileage.

Companies must open their books to an annual assessment to demonstrate mileage patterns and fuel use are meeting the three-year targets. Advice is available on how to improve fleet efficiency and a five-star badging scheme is to be launched which companies can use to show their 'clean' fleet credentials.

An RAC spokesman said: 'This is about responsible use of the fleet and showing the environment matters to the fleet industry.'

Fleets are a key Government target for meeting international commitments to slash emissions, as the industry accounts for half the new cars sold each year. Motorvate organisers have been quick to point out that although there is effort involved in taking part, savings of up to £50,000 a year are achievable for a typical 400-car fleet.

A DETR spokeswoman said: 'The targets are felt to be achievable by most fleets. Fuel technology and Budget-announced changes to Vehicle Excise Duty (from March 2001) and company car taxation (from April 2002) will reward drivers for selecting more fuel efficient vehicles.'

Further details on 020 7944-4895/4378.