Hull City Council’s efforts in leading the way on electric vehicles have been recognised at a national awards ceremony.
The Green Fleet Awards 2021, held last night at the British Motor Museum in Warwick, highlight the public and private sector vehicle fleet operators leading the way in tackling climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions and improving air quality.
The council was commended in the Public Sector Commercial Fleet of the Year award in the “medium to large” category (more than 300 vehicles). This award recognises organisations that have reduced emissions through fuel efficiency, green fleet management and driver training. The award was won by West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust.
Carbon Neutral Strategy
Hull City Council operates one of the largest fleets in the region, with more than 300 cars, vans, trucks, special purpose vehicles and buses, delivering a wide range of services to the people of Hull, including waste management, children’s services and parks. The fleet is leased and maintained by the wholly owned council company Kingstown Works Ltd (KWL).
In 2021, the council doubled the number of battery electric vehicles in its fleet to 34, with the aim that all its cars and vans under 3.5 tonnes, which make up most of the fleet, will be electric by 2025, replacing older greenhouse gas-emitting diesel and petrol vehicles.
Electric vehicles at the council’s Stockholm Road Depot.
The council has also increased the number of electric vehicle chargepoints at its depots and is making greater use of pool vehicles, which improves the efficiency of the fleet.
Public chargepoints are provided at Hull History Centre, Osborne Street multi-storey and Lowgate car park.
All this is expected to cut the council’s overall greenhouse gas emissions by 1.25 per cent, saving around 210 tonnes of carbon, as well as improving air quality and reducing vehicle maintenance costs.
Transport is now the largest emitter of greenhouse gases in the UK, accounting for 27 per cent of total emissions in 2019, according to government figures.
Councillor Hester Bridges, deputy leader of the council, attended last night’s event, along with Martin Budd, the council’s climate change manager.
Cllr Bridges said: “We are delighted to be recognised for our continued commitment to setting the standard for alternatively fuelled vehicles. This is a vital part of the work we are doing to combat climate change as part of our Hull 2030 Carbon Neutral Strategy.
“Congratulations to West Midlands Ambulance Service Trust and all the other winners on the night.”
Hull City Council declared a Climate Emergency in 2019 and published the Hull 2030 Carbon Neutral Strategy in 2020.
See all the Green Fleet Award Winners
