A LOCAL authority has underlined its commitment to developing a green fleet strategy by pledging to run a fleet of alternatively-fuelled vehicles. Westminster City Council, which runs a fleet of 33 liquefied petroleum gas vehicles, has also unveiled a new fleet strategy to replace its remaining fleet of 27 diesel vehicles which will be converted to petrol electric hybrid or LPG.

The council has already reduced PM10s by 80% and aims to reduce them by a further 75%. It also aims to cut NOX by 25%, having previously achieved a 35% reduction. The council has unveiled a zero-emissions vehicle as part of its clean air crusade. The fuel cell vehicle, purchased from Zevco, combines hydrogen and oxygen to generate electricity and water, which is the only emission. The fuel cell acts as an onboard charger to power the vehicle all day without recharging, giving it a longer range than a standard electric vehicle.

The move is part of the council's drive to reduce air pollution in the capital and enhancing residents' quality of life. Leith Penny, Westminster City Council's head of environment and leisure policy, explained that at the heart of the policy was the council's willingness to experiment and take risks.