7:54am Wednesday 1st September 2010
Electric cars are being used for a new Elmbridge scheme to cut pollution and costs.
Elmbridge Borough Council is piloting a new car-sharing scheme that aims to help it reduce traffic congestion and pollution while cutting costs.
Over the next two years, a team of Environment Officers will share two electric pool cars to get around the borough when dealing with everyday street scene problems such as litter, and for visiting homes that have reported problems with bin collections.
The pilot will test how effective shared electric pool cars can be in reducing pollution, and show how much can be saved in travel costs. If successful, the scheme could be introduced in other parts of the Council.
Councillor Glenn Dearlove, Portfolio Holder for the Environment, said: "We're striving to continually improve our services whilst reducing their costs and environmental impact.
"Modern electric cars are really efficient, clean, quiet and cheap to run and the pilot will give us a chance to try them as part of a major service.
"In a borough where car ownership and congestion are both really high, it's important the potential benefits offered by electric cars are considered by local employers and residents."
The two cars have been purchased using a green transport award, and the pilot is being sponsored by the Council's waste service provider, Veolia Environmental Services.
Regional manager John Abbott said: "As the UK's leading recycling and waste management company, we're delighted to support Elmbridge Council in an exciting initiative that uses new and emerging technology to improve service delivery for residents, whilst reducing traffic pollution and congestion."
Residents can take part in the Veolia sponsored competition to win a solar powered DAB radio.
Simply spot one of the cars being driven around the borough in September, note down the registration number and email your entry along with your full name and contact details to envcare@elmbridge.gov.uk
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