5 days ago
Denbighshire Council adds two electric vehicles to its fleet
The council has introduced two Toyota Proace Verso electric people carriers to its fleet, funded by taxpayers through the Welsh Government Energy Service.
The new vehicles will be used to transport students to and from Ysgol Tir Morfa, a special school in Rhyl.
Councillor Barry Mellor, lead member for environment and transport, said: "We are working very hard to reduce our fleet's carbon footprint by replacing end of life fossil fuel vehicles when the opportunity arises with greener alternatives where it is appropriate for the service need.
"These vehicles help us reduce running costs over the long term through maintenance and miles and will continue to reduce our emissions to help us tackle the climate and nature emergency declared in 2019."
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Currently the council has one of the highest figures in Wales for the proportion of so-called zero emission vehicles (ZEVs) as a percentage of their fleet, at more than 20 percent.
With a range of up to 214 miles, the new vehicles are expected to lower both mileage and maintenance costs.
The people carrier will support Ysgol Tir Morfa with school transport, aligning with the school's environmental efforts, which have included low carbon energy improvements on site and tree planting in the grounds by pupils working with the council's biodiversity team.
The second people carrier will be used in the social care sector to transport adults who work at Meifod Wood Products, a Denbigh-based work opportunity scheme.
Cllr Mellor said: "It's great that Ysgol Tir Morfa will have access to one of these vehicles as the students are so supportive of doing everything they can to tackle climate change and support their local nature at the school and surrounding community.
"Having one supporting Meifod as well I hope will inspire the fantastic adults who work at the site to do their bit to tackle climate change."
The council said the minibuses would also be easier to maintain than petrol or diesel models due to having fewer moving parts.
