New electric vans added to council's fleet

Douglas Council has bought seven new electric vehicles

Douglas Council has bought a new fleet of electric vans to be used for housing maintenance, electrical services and painting.

The Isle of Man authority has recently purchased the seven new vehicles to replace aging diesel models.

The move means that eight of the council's 68 vehicles are now electric.

Councillor Falk Horning, chairman of the Environmental Services Committee, said switching to electric vans was a "practical, cost-effective way to reduce our carbon footprint when it comes to environmental responsibility."

The Isle of Man government has pledged to reduce its emissions to net zero by 2050.

'Tangible difference'

However, a report published last year by the council's former director of environment and regeneration, noted that due to the nature of the services provided by the local authority, achieving the target "may be impossible".

Horning said the move reflected the council's "ongoing commitment to sustainability," and it was "vital that we demonstrate that changes, however small or simple, can make a tangible difference to our carbon footprint".

The new vans join the council's existing electric tipper and are part of a wider plan to gradually replace more diesel-powered vehicles with alternatives.

Horning added: "The size and layout of Douglas make it an ideal environment for electric transport.

"We'll continue to support residents with their efforts to build a cleaner, healthier city."