Â鶹ÊÓƵ

Â鶹ÊÓƵ has added another eleven Nissan eNV200 electric vans to its fleet.

The measure will help reduce fuel consumption and carbon emissions and improve air quality in line with the Council's priority of investing in the natural environment.

The eleven new vehicles, join five existing vans and two Nissan Leaf cars to bring the Council's total electric fleet to 18.

The vans, along with future additions to the fleet, will feature the distinctive Sustainable South Tyneside branding.

The council has pledged to take all necessary steps to make the Council carbon neutral by 2030. It also set a three-year target to cut carbon emissions by 4,285 tonnes by March 2023 and is already two thirds of the way to achieving this figure

Fleet accounts for 11 per cent of the 17,000 tonnes of emissions that the council must cut to achieve its ambitious targets.

Cllr Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety with responsibility for climate change, said: "Making changes to the way we operate and deliver services goes a long way towards reducing our carbon footprint.

"Diesel and petrol vans have a negative impact on the environment due to fuel consumption and carbon emissions, leading to air pollution.

"We are committed to investing in sustainable alternatives and clean technologies where we can, like these new electric vans.

"The new vans will have the council's Sustainable South Tyneside branding on them, so they stand out across the borough, helping to raise awareness and promote the importance of a sustainable and brighter future for us all."

The Nissan eNV200 vans will be used in various council and South Tyneside Homes services.