Agenda item

The Environmental Management Officer introduced a report that updated Members on the Fleet Challenge Programme and the launch of the Pilot Electric Pool Car and E-bike Scheme in June 2017.

The Fleet Challenge Programme was a Council wide approach including community transport, grey fleet (staff vehicles used on council business); waste vehicles etc. which focused on reducing CO2 emissions and revenue spend on mileage claims whilst also promoting sustainable travel options.  Employees generated almost a million business miles in the last year for which full statistics were available, which had high impacts in terms of carbon emissions and financial cost.  A number of specific activities were planned to support the programme including increased use of pool electric vehicles, an e-bike scheme and hire car scheme for longer journeys.  A Pilot Scheme for staff to use the pool of new electric car and bikes would be launched later in June and the operational procedures and guidance for the scheme were reviewed.

Members expressed support for the principle of the approach, and a number of practical issues were discussed including the controls in place for users who may have an accident history or not be fit to drive.  It was responded that users would be required to complete a Driver Declaration Form, as set out fully in Appendix 4 to the report, which provided information on accident history, motoring offences and relevant medical issues.  Checks were also made on driving licences before staff could access a pool car.  A point was raised about the processes and potential sanctions in place if the Driver’s Responsibilities detailed in paragraph 5.3.1 were breached.  These included the use of mobile phones, restricting use to work purposes and leaving the vehicle in a clean condition.  The Committee agreed the importance of highlighting the responsibilities of staff using the scheme and therefore requested that that the potential sanctions and consequences for staff who failed to meet the agreed responsibilities under the scheme be made clear in the guidance and procedure documentation.

A number of others issues were discussed including the range of the electric vehicles, booking procedures, tracking systems and evaluation of the pilot.  At the conclusion of the discussion, the update was noted.

Resolved –  That the update on the Fleet Challenge Programme and the launch of the Pilot Electric Pool Car and E-bike Scheme in June 2017 be noted.