Next week, Cabinet members will discuss the Vehicle Replacement programme.

The Vehicle Replacement Programme for 2024/25 will include procuring up to 63 vehicles, items of plant or equipment. 36 are to assist the ongoing transformation work within the Environment and Transport department and will reduce the dependency on expensive hire vehicles, which will improve resilience and reduce overall financial burden on the authority.

New vehicles will always meet the latest emissions standards. It is estimated that the vehicles added to the fleet since 2019 produce approximately 75% less CO2 per km travelled than the older vehicles they have replaced.

Further to this, the council will review the use of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO) to fuel its diesel vehicles following a trial in 2022. 

Andy Simpson, Head of Commercial and Operational Service Support, said:

“We all have a part to play in helping Barnsley to be net zero carbon as a council by 2040 and as a borough by 2045, protecting our area for future generations. By making greener choices in the vehicles and fuels we use as a council, we’re helping reduce carbon emissions.

 “These replacements will help to ensure that the council is properly equipped to continue to deliver excellent services to the residents of Barnsley in the most cost effective way.”

Cabinet will be asked to approve the recommendations at their meeting on Wednesday 3 April.