Cornwall Council has launched a new initiative which will help reduce operating costs for the region’s commercial fleets while at the same time improving air quality.

The Cornwall ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme is a free, voluntary scheme that provides recognition, guidance and advice on operational best practice to operators of goods vehicles, buses, coaches and commercial vehicle fleets. The scheme will be delivered by Transport and Travel Research Ltd (TTR), on behalf of Cornwall Council’s Public Protection Service.

The first fleets to sign up to the scheme and be presented with their ECO Stars certificates included CORMAC, Lorne Stewart plc, TNT and WJ South West who were welcomed to the launch by Cornwall Councillor Geoff Brown, portfolio holder for communities.

Jim Chappell, TTR’s ECO Stars programme manager, said: “The scheme is free, simple to join and open to all fleets operating in the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth (CPIR) area, irrespective of your fleet size. By following our advice, businesses could improve their fuel efficiency by up to five per cent.”

Cllr Brown said: “Cornwall ECO Stars scheme is a great opportunity for operators in the Camborne, Pool, Illogan and Redruth area to get free advice on improving their fleet efficiency. Congratulations to our inaugural members - we hope that many more businesses will follow their lead, join the scheme and contribute to improving air quality in the area, whilst also improving their bottom line.”

Jason Gallop, CORMAC fleet technician, said: “Myself and my colleague Wendell Roberts, compliance officer, were delighted to accept the certificate confirming our fleet’s four-star status on behalf of Cormac.

"The evaluation process was entirely straightforward and I would have no hesitation in recommending that other fleet operators should join the scheme. Obviously we look forward to working with TTR again, with a view to achieving a five-star rating in the future.”

More information about the Cornwall ECO Stars scheme can be found at cornwall.gov.uk/ecostars.