As part of the council’s commitment to be a carbon neutral authority by 2030, the Cabinet Executive voted in May to approve plans to change the majority of the vehicle fleet to hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO).

The first two lorries have now been converted to HVO, with the majority of the fleet’s change from diesel to HVO coming over the next few months. Once completed, the conversion will see a reduction in carbon dioxide emissions from 505 tonnes to just 51 tonnes per year.

Cllr Nigel Grundy, portfolio holder for Neighbourhood Services and Assets, said: ‘This is a fantastic first step for the council as we start to make progress on converting our fleet over to HVO.

‘We’re delighted at this initial progress and we can’t wait to see the majority of our other vehicles become powered by HVO. My cabinet colleagues feel passionately about this worthwhile investment for both the council and residents in our journey to reduce carbon emissions in the district.

‘HVO is just the start for us, and we’re hoping to introduce more electric vehicles to the fleet over the coming years.’