The local authority has accumulated over £54,000 this year due to decreased operational costs for the 83 electric vehicles (EV) in its 181-asset fleet.

With the aim of electrifying its entire fleet by 2030, the council is currently working to substitute its remaining diesel and petrol vehicles that are approaching the end of their life expectancies.

Cllr Martin Smith, Cabinet Member for Highways, said: ‘The focus of switching our fleet to electric vehicles is often on the reduction in carbon emissions and the improvements in air quality that EVs can help to bring. Of course, these are hugely important as we look to become carbon neutral as an organisation by 2030.’

Cllr Smith argued that the move will also ensure ‘better value for money’ for taxpayers.

He added: ‘Investing in electric vehicles is a win-win for us, the environment and for the Wiltshire public.’

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