A SCHEME aimed at encouraging fleet operators to improve their efficiency and reduce fuel consumption has enlisted its 50th member.

Greenergy Flexigrid signed up to the Thurrock ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme - and were awarded a five star top rating.

This means the firm scored top marks following an assessment of how clean its vehicle fleet is, based on fuel management, developing driver skills and the maintenance of vehicles.

The scheme was launched by Travel Thurrock in April 2012 to improve air quality in the borough.

Recent findings have found that Thurrock is among the worst sufferers in the UK - outside of London - when it comes to air pollution.

Since then just over 2000 vehicles have been signed up to the scheme which provides practical tailored guidance on environmental best practice with each member receiving a star rating for their fleet.

Greenergy is the UK’s largest supplier of road fuel and third largest private company in UK, supplying over a quarter of all road fuel sold. Flexigrid is Greenergy’s in-house haulage fleet with 101 trucks nationally and 15 driver depots throughout the UK, the largest of which is based in Thurrock. 

Ross Monkhouse, fleet asset manager for Greenergy Flexigrid said: "We are proud to receive ECO Stars highest ranking. It recognizes our commitment to maximize fuel efficiency and reduce carbon emissions by introducing new trucks and technology to monitor fuel usage."

Cllr Andy Smith, Thurrock Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, highways and transportation said:  "We are delighted to reach this milestone in a little under three years."