Features

The introduction of Euro V and VI emissions standards for vehicle engines, the emergence of Clean Air Zones and Air Quality Improvement Plans, and a target to phase out petrol and diesel vehicles by 2040 has led to an intensified focus on electric and other alternative fuels.

The public sector is in many areas leading the way, and half of all councils in the UK (around 200) have signed the Climate Emergency declaration committing them to reduce carbon emissions locally. There has been a marked shift over the past six months, and the appetite for electric municipal vehicle fleets amongst local authorities is growing fast. These days it is rare to see a local authority fleet tender specification that does not mention or require a response regarding the viability of alternatively-fueled vehicles. Predictably there are hotspots of interest in cities and urban environments, but there is also an upturn in interest from more rurally-based clients. For example, we recently delivered several electric vans to Hambleton District Council in North Yorkshire and the council has a vision of running a 100% electric fleet in the future.

In a bid to combat the hike in damage claims, Brindley, the largest family-owned car dealership in the West Midlands, recently worked with Sentinel Systems to install a camera and recording device onto one of its vehicles.