HR departments should establish incentive schemes to encourage company car drivers to opt for greener vehicles rather than relying upon the threat of punitive legislative measures.

Governments are driving the green message through the business community in a bid to reduce C02 emissions, but this is currently based upon ‘too much stick and not enough carrot', said Emmanuel Roche, head of international sales for Masterlease.

“The problem for businesses is with greater choice in company car schemes, drivers don’t always want greener vehicles or to be told how they can drive,” he said.

Mr Roche argues that not enough businesses currently reward drivers for good behaviour. In many cases they only penalise drivers, or do nothing.

“All of the environmental legislation seems to be focused on penalising drivers but to effect change it is much easier to encourage drivers to make the decisions you want them to,” he said.

“If you want someone to choose a more environmentally friendly vehicle, why not give them cash back for doing it, or offer them a much higher spec vehicle with for example, leather seats, so they get a really good car but with lower emissions?” he asks.

“Basically, the company decides how it wants its drivers to behave and then incentivises them to do it.

"It’s all part of employee engagement – if you relate a change to a benefit, you will meet less resistance and you should even be greeted with acceptance and enthusiasm.”