Transport

We have consistently been one of the most pioneering local authorities in the country in the development of alternative fuel and electric vehicle technology.

We have worked with UK universities and colleges to develop drivetrains for electric commercial vehicles. A number of experimental vehicles have been road-tested by council staff on the streets of Gateshead generating practical data to inform future development.

Currently we operate around 30 electric cars and vans including Peugeot iOn, Nissan Leaf, Nissan eNV200 and Toyota hybrid models. We expect to take delivery of our first electrically-powered refuse lorry in 2020.

Replacing petrol-powered grass cutters, strimmers, mowers and other horticultural machinery with battery-powered equivalents is another action we're taking to be green.

The number of council employees using their own cars for business trips has also declined. Instead, Metro passes have been made available, a fleet of 25 pool cars - some of which are Electric - has been created, and free bike and e-bike hire has been introduced. These measures have resulted in a fall in vehicle mileage of 50,000 miles a year - a 25% reduction.