Policy development and health and safety information is available to European charities operating a 'non profit' fleet of vehicles.

Transaid, which describes itself as the preferred international charity of the UK transport industry, has launched its Practical Transport Management Manual.

The manual, originally written for the Ministry of Health in Ghana in 1993, has been updated and covers topics ranging from policy development and fleet management through to health and safety and the correct use of documentation.

A grant from the Exel Foundation has enabled 2,000 manuals to be printed, 400 of which have already been distributed to a total of 27 separate countries worldwide.

'Support from the Exel Foundation will enable us to supply the manual free of charge to any developing country government or local charity,' said Transaid chief executive Sarah Nancollas.

She added that it is also available to headquarters of charities in the UK and Europe although it does ask for a donation to help with postage and packing costs.

Further details are available by visiting Transaid's website at www.transaid.org