A local MP has questioned why none of the new fleet of lorries bought to deliver the district's new three-weekly bin service are electric, when the company that builds them has supplied other councils with electric lorries.

Warwick and Stratford District Councils bought a fleet of 33 trucks from Warwick-based manufacturer Dennis Eagle to help with the new 123+ waste collections which started on August 1.

But Warwick and Leamington MP Matt Western has questioned why the two councils chose not to purchase any electric lorries similar to the ones Dennis Eagle has supplied to councils in Nottingham, Cambridge, London boroughs and, more recently, Exeter.

Mr Western said: "It is only right Dennis Eagle's electric lorries are used for waste collection in the district where they are produced.

"But it is short sighted for regional authorities not to purchase any of the electric bin lorries which would massively reduce harmful emissions on our streets.

"It is right that WDC supports a crucial and historic Warwick and Leamington firm, but councillors need to be more serious about our transition to sustainable energy and honouring their own climate goals.

"My Labour colleagues in many cities have purchased electric lorries and say they are quieter, cleaner and more efficient than their fossil fuel powered equivalents." 

The firm – which makes up 80 per cent of the UK market share for refuse collection vehicles – has a manufacturing base in Heathcote Way and around 10 service centres across the country.

But Cllr Alan Rhead, portfolio holder for climate change at Warwick District Council said electric vehicles were too expensive and would not have been able to cover the distances needed to reach rural parts of the district.

"At the time the contract was let the council gave careful thought to the potential for an electric (or green hydrogen) fleet; neither were possible," he said. 

"Bearing in mind the vehicles cover the whole of south Warwickshire, including very rural areas, electric vehicles were shown to be impractical given the distances that needed to be covered, the limited vehicle range available, and the charging time required.

"In addition, electric vehicles were around £300,000 per vehicle more expensive (and we need over 30 vehicles), which when combined with operational limitations meant this option was rejected. 

"Green Hydrogen was also given serious consideration. However, as we don't currently have a local green hydrogen refuelling station, this could not be implemented for the start of the contract."

The council has agreed with the contractor that the carbon emissions must be reduced during the life of the contract.

"A key way we intend to do this is through introducing alternative fuels for the vehicles," Cllr Rhead added. 

"We will proactively explore the potential for local green hydrogen refuelling; we will keep abreast of improvements in electric vehicle technology; and will research other low carbon alternative fuels."

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