It is the vehicle of choice for Hollywood A-listers such as Brad Pitt and Cameron Diaz ­ and now cabinet ministers are being issued with the hi-tech, environmentally friendly car that can cut pollution and beat the congestion charge.

Ministerial Rovers and Jaguars are being replaced with the Toyota Prius, a "hybrid" car runs on both a petrol and an electric engine ­ the two working in tandem.