THREE fully electric vans have been added to the operational fleet run by Forest of Dean District Council.

The new vehicles will replace older diesel-powered vans and form part of the council’s long-term strategy to decarbonise its services and tackle the climate crisis.

The move follows the introduction of two fully electric recycling trucks last August, as the council continues to shift away from fossil fuels.

The initiative is being carried out in partnership with Ubico, the environmental services company that supports the council’s waste collection and other frontline services.

Cabinet Member for climate emergency, councillor Chris McFarling, welcomed the addition of the new vehicles: “I am encouraged by the addition of these vehicles to our growing electric fleet, which we have acquired with the help of Ubico, one of our partnership organisations.

“It is clear that advancements in green vehicle technology are accelerating, and our reliance on fossil-fuel-powered vehicles will diminish as EV battery range, charging point speed and frequency improves.

“As transport makes up a large part of the council’s own carbon emissions, our strategy to move more of our fleet over to zero and ultra-low-emission alternatives will help reduce the carbon footprint of the services we provide and ultimately help to minimise our contribution to global warming as much as we can.”

The new vans are already being used across the Forest by the council’s team of street wardens.

Their duties include investigating environmental crimes such as fly-tipping, deterring anti-social behaviour, and carrying out dog warden responsibilities including animal welfare checks.

The transition to electric vehicles is part of the council’s wider ambition to reach its carbon reduction targets by the end of the decade.

In recent years, the council has committed to a range of environmental initiatives, including improved energy efficiency in its buildings and promoting renewable energy use.