Scores of plug-in cars and vans will join the Government’s fleet as part of its commitment to green transport.

Fifteen Government departments and agencies, including the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Ministry of Defence and the Home Office, are adding 140 ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEVs) to their fleets as part of a £5 million investment to reduce emissions.

The fleet includes cars and vans used by Government when transporting staff and equipment. The Government Car Service, which provides cars for ministers, will also adopt four ULEVs.

The new vehicles are the first phase in a project designed to illustrate the effectiveness of the vehicles, and encourage fleets to commit to greater take-up over the coming years.

Transport minister Baroness Kramer said: “This is an important step. These cars will save taxpayers money on running costs and will bring low emissions benefits to our fleet.

“Today’s announcement proves that Britain is leading the electric charge while supporting the growth of this important industry.”

The £5 million investment will also fund take-up by the wider public sector – including councils, police forces and the NHS – of plug-in vehicles and pay for charge-points to be installed to allow the vehicles to be charged at work.

The investment forms the latest part of a £500 million package set aside for ULEV vehicles announced last year.

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