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2 Oct 08Poole Plugs into Electric Vehicles
Borough of Poole is road-testing an electric car as part of the council's drive to reduce its carbon emissions.
The council is taking delivery of a Mercedes Smart Electric Drive (ED) car on a week's trial. Staff from Borough of Poole's Building Consultancy Service will be using the vehicle to travel to and from business appointments.
Borough of Poole is committed to a target of reducing its carbon dioxide emissions by 25 per cent by 2012.
The Smart ED car, supplied by Mercedes-Benz UK Limited 
, is free from vehicle exhaust emissions such as carbon dioxide and other substances harmful to the environment. It comes with its own charging unit and can be recharged by plugging directly into any standard three-pin mains socket.
Cllr Don Collier, Cabinet Portfolio Holder for the Environment, Borough of Poole, said: "We are delighted to be road-testing an electric smart car and are proud to be part of the drive for new cleaner and greener technologies in cars. We are keen to lead by example and encourage businesses and residents to think about their carbon footprint and their impact on the environment while carrying out their day-to-day activities. The introduction of electric vehicles is just one of many initiatives we are developing to reduce Poole's carbon footprint."
Borough of Poole will consider permanent use of the vehicle if the trial proves successful.
A further three electric vans are being introduced by the council's grounds maintenance contractors Continental Landscapes Ltd in support of the borough's corporate priority to reduce Poole's carbon footprint.
Simon Legg, Green Spaces Maintenance Team Leader, Borough of Poole, said: "We are glad that these all-electric vans will be working on behalf of residents to keep Poole clean and green."
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