The Task Force has also set out how important it is that we safeguard the huge improvements made in vehicle and fuel emissions standards through appropriate enforcement. We want to take forward the pilot scheme we set up to allow local authorities to test vehicle emissions at the roadside. We want to be sure that any scheme does not unfairly penalise innocent motorists. So today, following consultation with the Motorists' Forum, we are launching a consultation exercise on how best to proceed. Also published today is a CVTF report looking at the potential of and barriers to alternative fuels and technology.
Alternative fuels are capable of reducing emissions and can make good business sense as well.
Lower fuel duty, particularly on gaseous fuels, can make them cheaper than conventional fuels. Notes to editors Company cars make up around half of all new car sales and a significant proportion of the second-hand car market. Business cars and vans do around 21,500 miles a year compared to around 8,000 miles a year for private vehicles. Improving the fuel-efficiency of the business vehicle fleet could therefore have significant impacts on the environment. Motorvate is a government-backed scheme designed to help company fleets cut fuel costs and help the environment.