Decision details

RESOLVED that: -

(a)           Members endorsed the Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy, acknowledging the necessity for an initial 3-year phased approach towards achieving an ultra-low emission fleet and the future key infrastructure decisions required that will determine its direction and success;

(b)           Members endorsed the move to using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) as a replacement for conventional diesel throughout the council vehicle fleet. Approving commencement of procurement for the provision of HVO fuel and the supply. This cleaner, less polluting fuel results in a significant CO2 emission reduction;

(c)           Members approved the £0.39m capital spend necessary to fund the supporting infrastructure investment to realise significant increases in ULEV’s purchases, to be funded from capital grant; and

(d)           Members approved the Fleet Replacement Plan 2021 – 2024 and authorise the procurement of the remaining vehicles in the plan as vehicle lives expire.

RECOMMENDED that Council: -

(e)           approve the use of new prudential borrowing for the Fleet Replacement Plan and recognise the impact of this on the annual revenue budget requirement.

Voting: Unanimous

Portfolio Holder: Environment, Cleansing and Waste

Reason

The proposed Fleet Replacement Plan and Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy set out the vital ambitious foundations towards achieving sustainable fleet management for BCP Council and a commitment towards its ambition of becoming carbon neutral by 2030.

Failure to approve the Fleet Replacement Plan and associated Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy places the authority at risk as vehicles reach end of life of repeated statutory service failure, associated reputational damage, increased revenue budget pressure and potential for breach of its Operator Licence compliance.