That’s the finding of Nexus Vehicle Rental in a survey spanning more than 600 business drivers.

The survey asked: “Are environmental vehicle policies important to your business?” with just over 40% replying that cost savings were a greater priority – nearly twice as many as those who reported that they are concerned about green issues.

Nexus says the clear message is that fleets and businesses are still struggling, that their vehicle focus is on matters financial rather than a socially responsible agenda and that this is unlikely to change until costs come down or they are otherwise incentivised to consider a wider picture.

Commercial director, John Ellis said: ‘Fleet managers are under greater pressure to deliver optimum performance thresholds than ever before – compounded by record fuel prices and escalating motoring costs, including maintenance, insurance and road tax, which also stand at record levels.

‘As such, it is little surprise that eco-policies have been downgraded, or simply don’t exist for most fleet managers. What is badly needed is a premium for being green, which will benefit both the environment and the economy as it works to restore the UK to a position of strength.’

However, Ellis points out that fleet managers do promote green motoring when hiring or leasing vehicles, as they will almost always be supplied with very new cars and vans, which boast far superior environmental credentials than older models.

Benefits include greater fuel efficiencies, lower emissions and being made from a higher percentage of recycled/recyclable materials.

He added: ‘Our survey also revealed a significant minority of companies have incorporated green elements to their motoring policy. Those who have environmental concerns can specify a host of very exact vehicle requirements that will allow them to meet, and often exceed, their company standards, no matter how challenging they might be.’