The fleet recognition scheme “ECO Stars” is expanding again with the launch of Sefton ECO Stars in Liverpool – the first scheme in the UK to focus primarily on road haulage at a port.

The free scheme encourages fleet operators – of all sizes – to improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions – to help improve local transport related air quality.   When joining, members have their vehicles and overall fleet rated by industry experts to assess their current performance – both operational and environmental – and achieve an ECO Stars rating between 1 and 5.  A bespoke “road map” or action plan is then produced containing tailor-made guidance to help improve the efficiency of their fleet.

In Sefton, the focus is on freight vehicles which regularly use the Port of Liverpool area, which is situated in the south of the borough.

Peter Evans, Liverpool City Region Freight Co-ordinator, said, “The current development of the Liverpool Superport to host post Panamax vessels and a predicted future increase in port traffic were the key factors in the decision to launch an ECO Stars scheme in Sefton. We’re concentrating on working very closely with goods vehicles that regularly use the main routes in the port area, aiming to reduce their environmental impact. We see ECO Stars as an ideal way to help us achieve this.”

The scheme was launched in Sefton with award presentations to their inaugural members which included JMD Haulage, Clipper Logistics, Asda, Evolve Facility Services and Sefton Council themselves.

ECO Stars began in South Yorkshire in 2009, and has now expanded to thirteen more areas in the UK.  National ECO Stars Scheme Manager, Ann Beddoes said, “ECO Stars is really gathering momentum – it will be really interesting to see how it help local air quality in a specific area such as a port.”

ECO Stars is being managed on behalf of Sefton Council by specialist transport consultants, Transport and Travel Research Ltd. (www.ttr-ltd.com)

The scheme is free to sign up to. For more information call the ECO Stars Team on 01543 416416, email ecostars@ttr-ltd.com.