Hastings Borough Council launches electric vehicle fleet

Hastings Borough Council is committed to tackling climate change and becoming carbon neutral by 2030. This is a big commitment, but since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, the council has taken several steps to reduce carbon emissions in the borough. Part of this work has seen the council replace the majority of its vehicle fleet with electric vehicles.

The council has recently introduced five Vauxhall Vivaro-e vans, which will be used by several departments across the council. These include the Active Hastings, Foreshore, Pest Control, Warden, and Building Cleaning teams. Two Vauxhall Corsa-e cars are also due for imminent delivery and will be utilised by the Warden service.

Cllr Ali Roark, lead for Environment at Hastings Borough Council, said:

"Climate change threatens our planet, with rising sea levels, rapid biodiversity and ecosystem loss and drastic changes in weather which threatens food production and habitats. We know becoming carbon neutral by 2030, a whole 20 years before the government's target, is going to be extremely challenging but we are committed to making changes that will help to meet this ambition.

"Tackling climate change is at the forefront of everything the council does: including the design of council homes, developing the new Local Plan, the installation of solar panels at council offices, and the introduction of electric vehicles.

"By replacing vehicles that use petrol and diesel with electric vehicles, the council can ensure it reduces its impact on the environment. These vehicles will no longer produce greenhouse gases when out in the borough, meaning harmful gases that stay in the atmosphere for many years, causing the planet's temperature to rise will be reduced.

"Carbon neutrality is not something we can achieve alone, and we continue to work with local businesses and other stakeholders on this. As a resident it's important to play your role too. No matter how small a change it is, it can all make a difference. This may be switching off all your appliances when they aren't in use or taking the bus or walking instead of driving. Activism has a part to play too as we look to change how we do things as a society - this will all make a difference for future generations."