RADICAL plans for a car security grading system based on the European New Car Assessment Programme crash tests are being hammered out by a Government-sponsored task force. Mike Wear, Ford fleet operations director and chairman of the Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team which is working on the proposals, has called on the fleet industry to show its support for the scheme, which could alter the shape of company car choice lists.

Plans are at an early stage, according to the AA, which is on the VCRAT new car security working group, but members hope it could lead to a star-based system similar to the European crash test programme. Chris Patience, head of technical policy for the AA, said: 'Discussions are at a sensitive stage at the moment, but will involve manufacturers, the Association of British Insurers and the Department of the Environment, Transport and the Regions.'

The new system would be based on current ABI insurance ratings, but would be aimed at allowing for more direct comparisons of vehicle security performance. Patience added: 'We are looking for a standard, repeatable study, similar to the Euro-NCAP tests, and we could end up with a theft-from and theft-of rating.' Fleets should send comments to: Vehicle Crime Reduction Action Team, Home Office, 50 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AT.