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RAC, one of the country’s most progressive motoringorganisations, scooped a top award for its environmentally friendlyroadside patrols at a glittering ceremony in London.

The organisation beat off competition from a number of otherentrants, including the AA, to be named Breakdown/Recovery Companyof the Year in the Greenfleet Awards 2006.

The aim is to reward public and private organisations for theirefforts in environmental fleet management.

RAC impressed the judges with its green patrols’:

• Environmental programmes and procedures, including satellitenavigation and intelligent deployment systems that reduce fuelconsumption and patrol fleet congestion, and speed uprescue 
• Rescue vehicles maintained to the highest standards to ensurebest fuel economy, and minimise toxic emissions
• Recycling of obsolete parts, for example batteries
• Use of certified sites to dispose of contaminated fuel andother oils.

The judges were also won over by RAC Auto Windscreens’company-wide policy, which encourages customers to seek windscreenrepairs before replacement, saving massively on glass wastedisposal. RAC works proactively with its fleet customers to helpachieve this. For fleet drivers, if a windscreen requires more thanone repair on the same visit, they are only charged for one.

RAC managing director, Debbie Hewitt, said: “Ourenvironmental responsibilities are important to us and to ourcustomers. This award is testimony to the initiatives we've put inplace over the past year - and will make us strive to do more inthe future.

“In some cases we are waiting for the availability oftechnology to catch up with our vision but there are practicalsteps every company should take to reduce their environmentalfootprint.”

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RAC Press office contact:
Adam Cracknell on 01603 684916 / 07800 699 517

Notes to editors:

About RAC
With around seven millionmembers, RAC is one of the UK's most progressive motoringorganizations, providing services for both private and businessmotorists. Whether it's roadside assistance, windscreen repair andreplacement, learning to drive, vehicle inspections and checks,legal and financial services or up-to-the-minute traffic and travelinformation - RAC is able to meet motorists’ needs. RACincorporates BSM, RAC Auto Windscreens, RAC Direct Insurance andHPI.

Aviva bought RAC in May 2005. The acquisition brings together RAC'spowerful brand and customer base with the expertise and leadingposition in motor insurance of Norwich Union Insurance (part ofAviva). Norwich Union is the UK's largest insurer, insuring one inseven motor vehicles and with a market share of around 14%.

RAC’s news releases and a selection of images are availablefrom the internet press centre at www.racnews.co.uk.