A report prepared ahead of the local authority’s communities committee meeting today outlines the steps the council has taken over the last year to upgrade their vehicle fleet, with a major focus on reducing the council’s carbon footprint and making better use of available resources.
Ten diesel cars used by staff in the planning, facilities, property estates and criminal justice services departments have been replaced with fully electric vehicles.
Four electric vans have also been added to the council’s vehicle fleet, with two low emission buses due to be delivered next month.
And the roads team have build specifications for three 18-tonne chassis with interchangeable bodies, allowing them to be used as gritters, tippers, hot boxes or gully emptiers depending on service demand.
The report states that the total spend on transport capital assets in 2022/23 is anticipated to be £2.96 million.
This includes investments to upgrade parking at Lockerbie railway station, one of the region’s most popular commuter stations.
Communities committee chairman Andy Ferguson said: “The work that is being done to reduce our carbon footprint as an organisation is fantastic, and the way we operatre our fleet is a key component to that.
“I look forward to the continued investment in this area to continue the good work that’s well and truly under way.”
Vice chairman John Martin added: “The diverse nature of our fleet means we need to be multi faceted in our approach. This report demonstrates we are being just that, and more.
“By finding not only cleaner, but smarter ways to work we can continue to provide a top service to our residents regionwide.”
