In a case of practising what it preaches, Islington's ‘green fleet’ transport services were recognised at the Association of Public Service Awards (APSE), 8 September 2005.<br><br>The recognition as top finalist for ‘transport services and vehicle maintenance’ follows vast improvements in fleet reliability, efficiency and reduction of emissions.<br><br>Islington Council, in partnership with ICSL Accord, runs more than 350 vehicles with the number of ‘green’ alternatives growing on a monthly basis.<br><br>Part of the emission reduction plan includes the recent addition to the council’s vehicle fleet of 18 liquid petroleum gas (LPG) cars and vans, two electric cars and 16 electric scooters.<br><br>The council is also undertaking hybrid vehicle trials, the testing of a number of alternative fuels including an 80:20 blend of bio-diesel, and the use of filters to trap fine particles before they are emitted into the atmosphere.<br><br>Fleet standardisation is underway to ensure good spares availability and increase the turn-round when a vehicle is taken off the road. For non-standard vehicles, the council visits manufacturers to source cutting edge technologies to improve its service and ensure adequate maintenance infrastructures are in place.<br><br>Councillor Bridget Fox, Executive member for sustainability, said: "Islington Council is committed to putting our environmental principles into practice. We will always need motor vehicles for some of our services, so it's important that we make them as green and cost effective as possible. I'm delighted we've won this award."<br><br>Budget requirements for a further 147 green or retro fitted vehicles are now in place for 2005/06 along with a model that will compare the economic and environmental aspects of all green vehicles before a purchase is made.<br><br>The awards, held in Glasgow on Thursday 8 September, are an annual event that aim to showcase excellence in service and innovation in local authorities.<br><br>ENDS
Page Last Updated: 17 December 2009