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The Metropolitan Police and Transport for London are among the first organisations to begin using all-electric vans in a new multi million-pound government scheme.
The low-carbon vans are part of a three-year £20 million “green” initiative from the Department for Transport.
Around 150 vans will be rolled out across the country for use next year, and will be monitored to assess their carbon reduction potential.
The Royal Mail and HM Revenue & Customs will also use the vans, as will a number of city councils.
If successful, the government hopes to expand the scheme even further.
Figures show that emissions from vans have risen by around 40 per cent since 1990.
Transport Secretary Andrew Adonis said the problem “needed addressing”.
He said: “This is something we need to address as part of our carbon reduction strategy for transport.
“Electric and lower carbon vans have the potential to significantly reduce emissions so it is important that we test these new technologies in real world conditions.
“This new DfT programme enables the public sector to lead by example and I am delighted to see that a number of emerging UK companies have been successful in securing these contracts.”
Reader views (1)
How encouraging it is to see the Police take advantage of the DfT programme to lead by example.
It is a shame that the London fire Brigade don't do the same.
I recently had a smoke alarm fitted by a fireman who turned up in his dirty great fire engine.
I could not believe that it took 5 firemen and a lorry to do what 1 man on a bicycle could have acheived.
Come on you Public sector services get your green heads on.
- Mo Ali, Harrow,England
