Islington has become the first borough in London to use an innovative new purpose-built fully electric refuse collection truck.
The 26-tonne ‘eCollect’, made by refuse collection vehicle manufacturer Dennis Eagle, produces no exhaust emissions and is quieter than conventional collection trucks.
The vehicle is also expected to be cheaper to run over its lifetime than the diesel alternatives.
The truck arrived in Islington last month and a second eCollect, which has the same specifications, is due to arrive in the borough in December 2020.
Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s executive member for environment and transport, said: ‘The arrival of our first eCollect vehicle is another step towards achieving our vision of a greener, healthier Islington where local people have cleaner air to breathe.
‘Air pollution remains a major health emergency across London and we know that we need to continue to improve air quality in our borough, especially for those who suffer from breathing difficulties.
‘The eCollect vehicles will help to achieve this, whilst also being cheaper to run compared with the less environmentally-friendly diesel alternative.'
Dennis Eagle’s sales and marketing director Richard Taylor commented: ‘We are very proud of the zero emissions eCollect, which is a landmark vehicle.
‘The London Borough of Islington is among the first local authorities in the UK to purchase the vehicle.
‘This is not only going to benefit people who live or work in the borough by improving air quality and tackling emissions, but it will also help drive the switch to electric vehicles in London and across the UK.’
