THE GREEN city council has been blasted for hiring a diesel van to drive around the city displaying “Stop Covid” messages.
Brighton and Hove City Council confirmed yesterday that the three-and-a-half ton van was hired to display the “important information” across the city.
The Iveco van – dubbed “the Covid-mobile” by residents – uses a 2287cc engine to haul around an interactive billboard.
On Saturday, it was spotted being driven along the seafront before parking up near the Peace Statue.
The council said a generator remains running to power the display board once it is parked.
READ MORE: Readers react to 'Covid-mobile' van in Brighton
Reader Sam Ross said: “That’s a good way to spend money and pollute the city a bit more. Well done.”
“It's not very green is it?” said reader Paul Tomlinson, “a waste of time, petrol and adding to the traffic numbers and pollution.”
“For what? For something everyone already knows. Even if some do choose to ignore it.”
The “ad-van” has been targeting its messaging where people are gathering in groups, or are taking their daily exercise.
Authorities are advertising the regulations across a number of platforms, ranging from social media to bus stops.
Another reader, Dave Edwards, said: “It's one vehicle trying to give out a message to save lives.
“A good thing I think. So many negative comments about how this single van is going to pollute the earth.”
READ MORE: Brighton crowned most eco-friendly city in the country
Deaths in the city from the virus reached a speak on January 26 with 14 recorded in a single day.
A city council spokeswoman said: “We are using the ‘ad-van’ to display important information and advice at key places across the city where groups of people are gathering or are going to take their daily exercise.
“All conventional outdoor advertising space in these areas is either already booked or is not in ideal positions where people will see important messages.
“The van has a Euro 6 diesel engine and complies with the very high emission standards of green zones such as the London Ultra Low Emission Zone.
“The van makes infrequent short journeys to a few key points and the engine is always turned off when the van is parked.
“Only the generator powering the screen is running which can sometimes confuse people into thinking it’s the engine. The screen is powered by LPG generators which are low emission.
“The company providing the van also offsets its carbon footprint.”
READ MORE: Covid-19 deaths spike in Brighton (even though cases are falling in the city)
Under current measures, people are only allowed to leave their homes for certain specific reasons, with schools closed to the majority of pupils and all non-essential businesses closed in an attempt to ease pressure on the embattled NHS.
People must stay at home and only go out if you have "a reasonable excuse".
You are not to meet people socially unless you live together or form a support bubble.
People breaking these rules can face fines, including an £800 penalty for those attending house parties of more than 15 people - and a £10,000 fine for the organisers.
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