Agenda item

The Panel is invited to comment on the Fleet Renewal and Infrastructure Improvement Strategy.

Executive Councillor: Cllr J Kerr

By means of a report by the Head of Operational Services (a copy of which was appended in the Minute Book), the Fleet Renewal and Infrastructure Improvement Strategy was presented to the Panel.

It was clarified to the Panel that the electric freighters were heavier than the vehicles currently used.  Concern was expressed about the carbon footprint generated during the production of the vehicles, following which, the Panel heard that this concern was recognised and in addition, noted that Germany had introduced some flexibility into their proposal to ban internal combustion engines by 2035. It was further noted that with flexibility in the strategy the main focus would be to secure power onto the site as this would form the basic structure going forward.

The Panel heard that the business continuity plans would be updated as technology was updated and in line with the required power provision at Eastfield House. It was also noted that the flexibility of the report and strategy allowed for further development of emerging technologies and the associated operational delivery and for the Council to react accordingly.

Councillor Shaw reflected that the report had previously been seen and discussed by the Climate Working Group and that he was generally in favour of the Strategy however he did express concerns relating to the optimism surrounding the responsible disposal of lithium batteries.

The Panel heard that modelling on typical mileage per kilowatt hour of the vehicles had been undertaken through the Energy Saving Trust and using existing round data whilst also accommodating the anticipated expansion to rounds encompassing new homes under construction. It was confirmed that an anticipated maximum of 850kVs would be required to charged all vehicles from flat to a full charge and that further work had been done to calculate smart charging to bring vehicles of different charge levels to a balanced charge then complete all vehicles to full charge.

It was noted that the grounds team at St Neots Town Council had acquired an electric lawn mower and that the reduction in noise and fumes experienced by operatives had been well received.  This was a sentiment shared by the Council’s Operations Team who have been trialling new technologies in order to make informed judgement on their use. It was also noted that smaller, urban authorities were able to make good use of these technologies however significant challenges were posed by the size and rural nature of the district. It was further observed that electrical vehicles tended to have cheaper maintenance costs due to less moving parts however investment would be required to enable the workshop to accommodate parts and training of operatives to service the new technologies.

The Panel were advised that the DVSA would accommodate and account for the weight of the battery on each vehicle in such a way so as not to loose the capacity of the vehicle and that it’s payload would not be reduced. It was also advised that the team had previously loaned a vehicle from a neighbouring authority which had performed well but more information was being sought on performance in extreme temperatures and weathers and that a cautious approach was being taken.

It was observed that a cautious approach would be prudent as there were concerns about the infrastructure required for the new technology to function and it was acknowledged that this was imperative. It was also advised that research was being undertaken on optimum battery conditions and charging to ensure full life expectancy from the technology. 

Following the discussion, it was

RESOLVED

that the comments of the Overview and Scrutiny Panel be passed to Cabinet for their consideration when making a decision upon the recommendations within the report.