The announcement comes just days after the news that Telford has been ranked in second place out of England’s 55 largest urban centres for air quality, according to a Green Cities Index report by environmental publication, ENDS Report.
The council is transferring its fleet over to more sustainable power to further improve air quality in the borough and as part of its commitment to make its operations carbon neutral by 2030.
The council’s new electric cars, vans, minibuses and Town Park ranger vehicles have replaced old fossil-fuelled vehicles, meaning the council now has 17 electric vehicles in its fleet, being used across a range of teams including highways, enforcement, libraries, outdoor education and in Telford Town Park.
The council estimates its transition to electric vehicles has saved around 30 tonnes of carbon emissions so far.
Since declaring a climate emergency in 2019, Telford & Wrekin Council has successfully reduced its overall operational carbon emissions by 57%.
Cllr Carolyn Healy (Lab), cabinet member for Climate Action, Green Spaces, Heritage and Leisure, said: ‘Protecting our residents is one of the pillars of our work as a council, and that includes ensuring they have the cleanest air to breath. We are also looking for every opportunity to reduce our operational carbon emissions, so transitioning our fleet across to electric vehicles is a win-win.
‘I was delighted with Telford’s recent ranking in the Green Cities report – taking ninth place overall, and second place for air quality – but that doesn’t mean our work is done. We will continue, with our community and our partners, to strive for an even greener Telford and Wrekin.’
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