The Energy Saving Trust has today announced a £1.44 million grant for its TransportEnergy CleanUp programme in Scotland that aims to cut the level of emissions from diesel-powered vehicles.

The grant, which has been funded by the Scottish Executive for 2004-05, will be administered by the EST and will focus on targeting commercial vehicle operators.

The EST will look to use the grant in areas where emissions from commercial diesel vehicles can be reduced.

The TransportEnergy CleanUp scheme aims to enable organisations to cut emissions from haulage and public service vehicles, including black cabs, through the provision of grants and advice.

Chief executive of the Energy Saving Trust Philip Sellwood commented: "Road transport is one of the main sources of air pollution, contributing nearly half of nitrogen oxide emissions in the UK.

"The Scottish Executive has committed to reducing these damaging emissions and the CleanUp Scotland programme forms a key part of this strategy."

Diesel cars use platinum catalysts to control harmful exhaust emissions.