Newham Council to convert to green vehicles

Newham Council has approved plans to replace the first wave of 210 council vehicles with greener models to meet their promises in their Air Quality Action Plan.

Seeking to become carbon neutral by 2030 and carbon zero by 2050, the authority will begin to replace their fleet with 170 new vans and 40 mini-buses that are all either fully electric, mild hybrid or Euro 6 gas to liquid fuelled. The new vehicles will ensure the Council meet the legal standards required by the Ultra-Low Emission Zone due in October this year.

This follows a council decision in October last year to make a £20 million investment in green fleet over the next five years.

James Asser, cabinet lead for Environment, Highways and Sustainable Transport said: “The replacement vehicles offer positive benefits to air quality in the borough, they will consume less fuel and create less pollution.

" As a council we’re committed to delivering our Air Quality Action plan to improve the health of residents and the environment of the borough, and are aiming for a fully green fleet by 2030. The cost of the new vehicles is in line with the current leasing arrangements and with a high number of our vehicle leases expiring this year now is the right time to begin the changes. We will be looking for further opportunities to invest in new greener vehicles as they become available as well as reducing vehicle use and moving to alternatives where possible.”