The fleet recognition scheme “ECO Stars” is expanding with the launch of the first scheme in the North West in Warrington.

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” is then produced containing tailor-made guidance to help improve the efficiency of their fleet.

Warrington Borough Council’s Executive board member for environment and public protection, Cllr David Keane, said;  “We’re working very hard with our partners to improve air quality in Warrington. Having bad quality air shortens lifetimes by several months, so it’s something we’re doing our best to sort out”.   Cllr Linda Dirir, who is responsible for transport and climate change, added;  “Taking part in the ECO Stars scheme will help the council deliver on its very demanding target of 40% reductions in CO2 emissions.”

The scheme was launched in Warrington with award presentations to their inaugural members which included Pepsico, Hargreaves Logistics and Martin Brower.

PepsiCo Transport Manager Sam Mather said they were delighted to join ECO Stars, “We got involved in the scheme to improve not only sustainability but also efficiency. We wanted to benchmark our progress and sense check how we are doing compared to other companies. ECO Stars has been a fresh pair of eyes and is able to provide us with feedback on how we can go on and improve further.”

More information about the Warrington launch of ECO Stars can be found in the council’s video report here.

ECO Stars began in South Yorkshire in 2009, and has now expanded to ten more areas in the UK .  National ECO Stars Scheme Manager, Ann Beddoes said, “ECO Stars is really gathering momentum. Following recent launches in Scotland, we are delighted to welcome the first scheme in the North West”.

ECO Stars is being managed on behalf of Warrington Borough 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.