TORRIDGE District Council is getting ahead of the game with the first electric van.

The zero emission van marks another step forward towards the council’s aim of being carbon neutral by 2030.

The new van replaces an older diesel model and will be used in built up areas.

Not only is the electric van cleaner and quieter to use it will also be more cost effective in the future with much lower maintenance costs.

Keep and eye out for the electric van and if a member of the public sees it ‘snap it’ and keep it ‘plugged in’ by sharing it on the council’s social media.

Cllr Chris Leather, lead member for waste and recycling, said: “As a council we take climate change very seriously and the new electric van is a great example of our forward thinking. Whilst it is a small step, it is part of a wider look at the vehicles we use for local work and it could pave the way for more electric vehicles being used in the future. 

“This isn’t just good for our operational budget; it also helps Torridge work towards meeting its climate change commitments.”

Cllr Peter Hames, lead member for climate change, added: “The purchase of the van is fantastic news and is just one of the many initiatives Torridge District Council is taking as part of its action plan to combat climate change.”