The switch from diesel to HVO-fuelled vans will see carbon emissions cut by 90%, supporting the council’s 2030 carbon neutrality aims.

According to the council, the new fuel also ensures reductions in nitrous oxide emissions and offers benefits such as ‘longer-term storage stability’.

The move will support the local authority’s dog warden team in taking care of lost and stray animals across the borough, as well as assisting the council’s environmental health service with their pest management duties.

RBC’s Cabinet Portfolio Holder for Environment and Safety, Cllr Rob Inglis said: ‘We now have 51 HVO and six electric powered vehicles in our frontline fleet as we will continue to look at converting the remaining vehicles in due course.

‘HVO offers a greener option for the day to day running of our vehicles as we continue to further explore electric vehicles and other alternatives as the technology develops, with further work needed on charging infrastructure and sustainability of electric vehicles due to the cost, range and rural nature of parts of the borough.’

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