The fleet management firm has invested over £4m, which includes the acquisition of 34 new fuel-efficient, lower-emission Scania tractor units, as well as the installation of a new system on all vehicles to help track and minimise engine idling.

Paragon has chosen to secure the 34-strong fleet of lower emission vehicles ahead of new standards being introduced by Transport for London (TfL) next January, which will make it mandatory for all vehicles entering the London Low Emission Zone  to comply with the Euro 4 standard for particulate matter.   

Jake Mummery, Paragon Group logistics director, said: 'Although it is essential to meet the emissions standards set by TfL, Paragon sees this investment as a step in the right direction to set clean green standards. With carbon emissions from UK industry running into millions of tonnes per year, it is important that that the automotive fleet sector does all that it can.'

In addition, earlier this year, the electric-powered onboard idle-reduction equipment Track-it-Now was installed on three of the company's vehicles for a trial period of four months. To help understand how engine idling times can contribute to fuel costs and carbon emissions, fuel consumption was monitored when the vehicles were stationary and the engine was idle. The data revealed that there was a potential waste from idling of 154,788 litres of fuel per year.

The company is now installing the system in all of its vehicles.

Mummery added: 'We have seen carbon management become an important business issue over the last couple of years and it's now a key part of the sustainability agenda. Our investment proves that we're taking our environmental impact and financial management very seriously, also demonstrating our plan to keep investing in the future of the business.'