Issue - meetings

Report of Head of Environmental Services

Purpose of report

To update the Executive on the operation of the Council vehicle fleet and to consider a vehicle replacement strategy to reduce whole life costs, develop income and minimise environmental impact through the introduction of telematics to reduce fuel  usage and a move away from a purely diesel powered vehicle fleet.

Recommendations

The Executive is recommended to:

1.1      To approve the Fleet and Vehicle Replacement Strategy as attached at Appendix 1.

1.2      To support the introduction of telematics to reduce fuel usage. 

1.3      To support the move away from a purely diesel powered vehicle fleet.

Resolved

(1)          That the Fleet and Vehicle Replacement Strategy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That the introduction of telematics to reduce fuel usage be supported.

(3)          That the move away from a purely diesel powered vehicle fleet be supported.

The Head of Environmental Services submitted a report to update the Executive on the operation of the Council vehicle fleet and to consider a vehicle replacement strategy to reduce whole life costs, develop income and minimise environmental impact through the introduction of telematics to reduce fuel  usage and a move away from a purely diesel powered vehicle fleet.

Resolved

(1)          That the Fleet and Vehicle Replacement Strategy (annex to the Minutes as set out in the Minute Book) be approved.

(2)          That the introduction of telematics to reduce fuel usage be supported.

(3)          That the move away from a purely diesel powered vehicle fleet be supported.

Reasons

Although work has taken place to reduce diesel usage, vehicle telematics offer an opportunity to reduce usage even further. Telematics has been trialled on two vehicles for over a month and delivered more than 8% savings. Hence telematics can make a significant impact on reducing costs and emissions. The costs of such systems are small compared to the potential savings. If supported telematics should be installed from early 2018

Diesel vehicles can contribute to air quality issues. Recently there has been a lot of adverse publicity regarding diesel engine vehicles. Improvements in small vehicle technologies mean that the reliance on diesel engine car derived vans can be reduced. With around eight small vans to be replaced over the next twelve months it is possible that more electric vans can be acquired once the appropriate infrastructure of plug in points are installed and new models have an increase in overall range.  The additional initial purchase costs of electric vans are more than matched by the reduction in fuel and maintenance costs.

Alternative options

Option 1:  To support the proposed recommendations

Option 2:  To reject the proposed recommendations

Option 3:  To ask officers to consider alternative improvements