North Ayrshire Council has continued to show its commitment to the environment by purchasing a fleet of seven new eco-friendly vans, making it the proud owner of the largest hybrid van fleet in Scotland.

The Council has purchased the award-winning Hybrid Transit vans from Ashwoods Automotive. The vans are standard Ford Transits, but are fitted with an innovative hybrid drive system. They will replace a fleet of standard diesel-powered vehicles used by the Council's Building Services.

At a time of increasing awareness of environmental issues - and fuel costs - the hybrid vans deliver fuel consumption reductions of up to 20 percent, saving around £700 a year per vehicle and reducing carbon emissions.

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Councillor Tom Barr, portfolio holder for the environment, said: "The purchase of this fleet of hybrid vans once again shows the Council's commitment to energy efficiency.

"It is important to remember that the benefits of energy efficiency are twofold. Not only do we ensure that we are doing our best to save the environment from the effects of carbon emissions – we are saving money while doing so. This is especially important at a time when finances are tight.

"Should the new eco vans prove a success, they could be extended across the Council's transport fleet."

The Ashwoods Hybrid Drive system recovers energy normally lost during braking and deceleration. A battery stores the energy before an electric motor redirects it to the rear wheels – making the vans extremely efficient. Because the hybrid system is entirely self-powered, the vans never need to be plugged in for a battery charge. And unlike pure electric vehicles, hybrids are not restricted to low mileage duties.

(CD/KMcA)