BARNSLEY Council has secured funding in order to provide a free package to businesses wishing to reduce the carbon footprint of the vehicle fleet.

The initiative - secured through a grant from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (DEFRA) - includes a half-day eco driving course and online learning modules where drivers will learn how to improve fuel efficiency and reduce environmental impacts from driving.

Cabinet spokesman Coun Chris Lamb said: “We are delighted to be able to offer this initiative to organisations, as not only will it improve road safety, it will enhance air quality in the targeted areas.

“This programme helps fleet operators improve efficiency, reduce fuel consumption and emissions and make cost savings.

“This also dovetails with a number of other measures that Barnsley Council has introduced or has planned for the near future that help address climate change and air quality issues.”