Agenda item

The Corporate Fleet and Transport Manager gave a presentation to the Committee regarding the procurement of the Council vehicles. The following issues were highlighted during the discussion:

·         Meeting was advised that with the introduction of the Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) in April 2019, vehicles failing to meet the required minimum emission standards will be subjected to ULEZ charges and that Council vehicles not classified as EuroVI/6 and Euro 4 Petrol will incur daily charges which range from £12.50 for cars and small vans to £100 for large vehicles.

·         With regards to the ULEZ charges, Members were advised that the Council incurred significant charges at the onset of ULEZ, however due to its recent procurement strategy which requires replacement of council vehicles to low emission vehicles it is noticeable that the charges are falling. The Manager informed Members that the latest figures had not been made available from Transport for London as data is collated.

·         The Corporate Fleet and Transport Manager advised members that since 2017/18, the percentage of the council’s ULEZ compliant vehicles has increased to 90% from 32% with further plans to improve the fleet when the lease arrangement of the vehicles come to an end.

·         Non ULEZ complaint vehicles within the Council fleet is decreasing, with the remaining vehicles being completely replaced at the latest in 2021. Members were advised that although in 2017/18, 90% of the council vehicles was diesel powered, it is noticeable that there has been a significant fall especially as the Service aims to contribute to the Council’s aim to reduce carbon emission by 2030 to zero.

·         With regards to carbon emissions from council vehicles, the Manager acknowledged that until all vehicles are linked onto the National grid with the introduction of electric vehicles this will remain a challenge.

·         In highlighting the emission levels of different fuel type, the Fleet Manager noted that when diesel cars are replaced by electric vehicles where for example diesel fuel emits a carbon value of 2.62 kg per litre, vehicles powered by the grid is estimated to have a carbon value which equates to roughly 25-30% of diesels’ value.

·         Meeting was advised that although most of the Council fleet are powered by diesel especially the RCV’s, the council’s cleanest diesel vehicles conform to Euro VI(heavy) and Euro 6 (light) emission standards for exhaust tail pipe output. The Manager acknowledged that only electric type of vehicles will have no tailpipe emissions.

·         In response to a suggestion that reducing the size of the Council fleet and considering other alternative working patterns would quickly address emission concerns, the Fleet Manager indicated that among a number of measures introduced, the Council had reduced its fleet size, replaced its heavy duty type of vehicle’s used by Housing services with lighter 7.5 ton vehicles. In addition, Members were informed that the Council had recognised the value of investing in the maintenance of oil and tyre of vehicles so as to reduce engine wear and tyre abrasion.

·         On the suggestion that council officers be encouraged to use electric assisted bicycles especially where duties are of a supervisory nature, the Fleet Manager that although there have been discussions with various council services, it will be for individual Services to take their decision as is notable with the Street Environment Services which recently took a decision to take one of its 8.5 ton diesel vehicles out of operation.

·         Members were informed that although technology is not presently available for the heavy duty vehicles such as the Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV), the Service was in discussion with the manufacturers on the possibility of retro fitting some of the diesel fuelled vehicles with electric power engines just a few years before the lease expires so as to extend their life span. In addition, meeting was informed that Street Environment Services had just taken delivery of a fully electric powered RCV which will be piloted to assess its effectiveness.

·         The Chair thanked the Manager for the update received and importantly welcomed the direction of travel especially with the council’s climate emergency declaration and it’s willingness to be carbon neutral by 2030.

RESOLVED:
That the update be noted.