KEY POINTS:
Cabinet ministers will be under pressure to drop their gas-guzzlers in favour of greener options as part of the Government's drive to be carbon neutral.
The crackdown comes as the Government looks to replace its chauffeur-driven fleet of limos - mainly Ford Fairlane Ghias - with cars that are more emissions-friendly, but that look just as distinguished.
It follows a Transport Ministry report in December that found a greener fleet could save 550 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions and $500,000 in fuel costs every time the fleet is rotated.
Cabinet ministers are under pressure to follow suit with the rest of the vehicles in the parliamentary VIP fleet - vehicles they choose themselves.
The report applauded the choice of some ministers, but criticised others as "less informed".
A spokesman from the Prime Minister's office said ministers driving gas-guzzlers would be "encouraged" to follow a greener option.
"As the self-drive fleet are renewed or replaced, ministers will be offered fuel-efficient options," the spokesman said.
One such minister, Climate Change and Energy Minister David Parker, will be driving a car that is kinder on the environment by the end of the year.
A spokeswoman admitted Mr Parker's Holden Adventra was "not so hot" when it came to carbon emissions, but added that the minister bought carbon credits to offset the emissions.
"He has three kids and he tows his caravan around, but he could have got a better car," the spokeswoman said.
A spokeswoman for Corrections Minister Damien O'Connor said the minister would give up his Subaru Impreza for a make that was biofuel compatible.
At October last year, there were 88 vehicles in the VIP fleet; 82 petrol, four hybrids and two diesel. The fleet comprised 45 chauffeur-driven cars and 43 self-drive vehicles.
The chauffeur fleet is for official Crown business and is used by ministers, judges, the Governor-General or guests of the Government. These are replaced every 27 months regardless of distance covered.
The self-drive vehicles consist mainly of the ministers' cars, plus a few authorised rental cars. Ministers are allowed up to $38,000 plus GST for their car and on-road costs. These are replaced every three years, though ministers can keep their cars longer if they wish.
The average chauffeur-driven car emitted 269g of carbon dioxide per kilometre, and used 12.3 litres of fuel per 100km.
The self-drive vehicles fared better, emitting 227g a kilometre and using 9.24 litres per 100km.
Before this week's announcement, the fleet had no requirements on fuel economy or environmental standards.
The Government is looking to replace the chauffeur fleet with three spacious luxury options: the Chrysler 300C diesel, the Peugeot 607 and the Skoda Superb. Ministers have been invited to try the new cars before the Government commits millions of dollars to replace the chauffeur-driven fleet.
Internal Affairs spokesman Colin Feslier said no decision on greener self-drive models had been made.
