Council to invest £4.5m in upgrading vehicle fleet

Barnsley Council says the new vehicles produce fewer emissions

Barnsley Council is to invest £4.5m in upgrading its fleet of vehicles, in a bid to reduce emissions and cut leasing costs.

The council will buy 52 new vehicles, including bin lorries, vehicles for housing services and school transport.

Of the new vehicles, 21 will replace hired vehicles, saving £1.6m.

Andy Simpson from the council said the move would help the authority "continue to deliver excellent services" to residents "in the most cost-effective way".

A report to the council's cabinet said the authority would be able to benefit from the latest emissions standard vehicles, reducing the carbon emissions of the council’s fleet and improving air quality in the borough.

The new vehicles would also come with a warranty, so the cost of breakdowns or unplanned maintenance would not be incurred by the council.

Mr Simpson, the council's head of commercial and operational service support, said: “We all have a part to play in helping Barnsley to be net zero carbon as a council by 2040 and as a borough by 2045, protecting our area for future generations.

“By making greener choices in the vehicles and fuels we use as a council, we’re helping reduce carbon emissions."

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