Hastings council launches Vauxhall electric vehicle fleet

Hastings Borough Council has replaced the majority of its fleet with electric Vauxhall vehicles, which will be used across several departments, after it declared a climate emergency in 2019.

Five Vauxhall Vivaro electric vans, and two Vauxhall Corsa electric cars have been bought by the council. Pest control and building cleaning, to park wardens and foreshore teams will get behind the wheel of the new vehicles.

Hastings council leader councillor Paul Barnett and deputy leader councillor Maya Evans pose for a picture next to the van (Image: Hastings Borough Council)

Councillor Ali Roark, lead for environment at Hastings Borough Council, said: "We know becoming carbon neutral by 2030, a whole 20 years before the government’s target, is going to be extremely challenging but we are committed to making changes that will help to meet this ambition.

“Climate change threatens our planet, with rising sea levels, rapid biodiversity and ecosystem loss and drastic changes in weather which threatens food production and habitats.

“Tackling climate change is at the forefront of everything the council does: including the design of council homes, developing the new Local Plan, the installation of solar panels at council offices, and the introduction of electric vehicles.

• Read more: Police treating major town centre fire as 'deliberate' - investigation launched

“By replacing vehicles that use petrol and diesel with electric vehicles, the council can ensure it reduces its impact on the environment. These vehicles will no longer produce greenhouse gases when out in the borough, meaning harmful gases that stay in the atmosphere for many years, causing the planet's temperature to rise will be reduced.

“Carbon neutrality is not something we can achieve alone, and we continue to work with local businesses and other stakeholders on this. As a resident it’s important to play your role too. No matter how small a change it is, it can all make a difference.

"This may be switching off all your appliances when they aren’t in use or taking the bus or walking instead of driving. Activism has a part to play too as we look to change how we do things as a society – this will all make a difference for future generations.”