Local authorities increasingly looking for ways to cut their greenhouse gas emissions from transport
The UK government has committed its own departments, all local authorities, schools and colleges and the NHS to cut carbon emissions and reduce pollution by 12.5 per cent by 2010/11, and by a further 30 per cent by 2020.
With the clock ticking for public sector bodies looking to meet their targets for reducing carbon emissions and pollution, ultra-light electric vehicle manufacturer Aixam Mega is reporting an increase in enquiries from local authorities, campus universities and colleges looking for ways to cut their greenhouse gas emissions from transport.
Lawrence Holland, general manager of Aixam Mega in the UK, says that these are tough targets, and achieving them is causing public sector bodies to rethink all their operational and purchasing decisions.
He said: “Around 22 per cent of the UK’s carbon emissions come from transport, and the Prime Minister has said that greater take-up of electric and hybrid vehicles will be one of the keys to achieving the government targets. This is why Aixam Mega is seeing an increase in enquiries for its Mega e-City private vehicle for use as a pool car and urban runabout, and also in its Multitrucks ultra-light commercials, especially for tasks such is litter bin collections and groundworks applications.
“Electric vehicles emit no greenhouse gases and particulates on the road, and also have the advantage of being able to be used in undercover, or warehouse-type environments, and in congested areas without adding air or noise pollution.”
The company believes that running costs are also a key driver of change. Total running costs for Mega vehicles are currently estimated at between 2p and 3p per mile, compared with around 40p for a standard petrol or diesel-powered saloon car.
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