The milk float, which was bought by ODS, has been converted to carry out street cleaning tasks within the city centre, including street washing, gum removal and graffiti cleaning.

Due to the weight of the equipment required for these services, a vehicle of at least 3.5 tonnes, such as an electric van, is usually needed to carry out street cleaning tasks.

However, the milk float was identified as an alternative solution which will allow ODS to continue to carry out street cleaning services in the Zero Emission Zone pilot, while also repurposing a vehicle which was otherwise going to scrappage.

ODS has upgraded the vehicle, which is now branded in the ODS livery, and has been able to use the product storage space at the back of the float to install a washer and water tank.

The vehicle, which has a range of approximately to 60-80 miles, can be charged at ODS’ depot in eight hours.

By converting the second-hand milk float, the council estimates it has saved £27,000.

‘It’s great to see ODS expanding their fleet and repurposing vehicles to meet their needs,’ said Cllr Louise Upton, cabinet member for health and transport.

‘By adapting this former milk float we are reducing the Council’s and ODS’ carbon footprint. This recycled vehicle can operate in the Zero Emission Zone the Council introduced earlier this year and it will have a new lease of life keeping the streets of Oxford clean. We are putting the three ‘R’s into practice - reduce, re-use, recycle!’

Owain Pearce, transport manager, ODS commented: ‘We have repurposed an old, disused milk float to an electric powered street cleaning, gum removal and street furniture washing vehicle, which highlights our commitment as a “doing good” company to reduce our impact on the environment. This helps us to support Oxford City Council’s emission policies and action on climate change by improving air quality across the City.’