The authority said the trial has required no vehicle modifications, as HVO is a direct replacement for diesel, and initial data shows that consumption of the fuel is like that of diesel.

After the trial ends in March, Rotherham will consider whether to roll out HVO further across its fleet.

The local authority’s head of fleet and transport services, Karen Mudford, said: ‘Our drivers and mechanics are telling us that the vehicles in the trial are running smoother than before the switch to HVO. It’s been a simple transition away from diesel.

‘We’re leading the way as one of the first local authorities in South Yorkshire to introduce this more climate-friendly fuel and all the initial signs from the trial are positive.’

Views on the impact of HVO on the environment are mixed.

As part of a cross-industry working group, the Environment Agency has commissioned a review into the possible use of HVO in its operations. It said it would consider its position once it receives the final review.

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