GREENER FLEET MARKS MAJOR STEP IN CLIMATE CHANGE AIM
Hyndburn Council has taken a major step in its journey to make the Council’s activities net-zero carbon by 2030, with the launch of five replacement refuse and recycling vehicles fitted with zero carbon emission electric lifters which lift the waste and recycling bins into the collection vehicle.
The move comes after the Council declared a climate emergency last year, with all areas of the Council asked to look at ways reducing their carbon footprint. It follows on from the Council’s decision earlier this year to permit greener hybrid and electric cars to be given a Taxi Licence vail for six months, rather than four months which was the current norm.
Announcing the move, Council Leader Miles Parkinson OBE, said; “As a Council, we’ve already committed to making the Council’s activities net-zero carbon and achieving 100% clean energy across the full range of Council functions by 2030. The greening of our fleet will be a priority in helping us move towards this goal.”
Cllr Parkinson OBE added; “We replace our vehicles on a rolling programme and these five waste collection vehicles are just the start to greening our fleet as we will also look at the possibility of replacing all our diesel vans with electric as they come up for replacement over the coming years.”
Cllr Paul Cox, Cabinet Member for Environmental Issues, added; “This is great news as besides the huge benefit to the environment, it will also save money on fuel and their improved mechanical design should also mean less maintenance and downtime. The lifters are also much quieter now they are not powered by the vehicle’s engine, which also helps during early morning collections.”