It has taken on two electric Mega vans which can reach speeds of up to 40mph from 12 48v lead-gel batteries. Worcester City’s cabinet member for keeping the city ‘clean, green and safe’, Derek Prodger said: ‘It is a clear case of leading by example. Ours is a duty to protect the environment and that is our clear priority.’

Peter Leivers, general manager of Mega supplier Aixam Mega, said: ‘This is the ideal type of operation for the electric Mega. It is clean, quiet and emission free in operation, just what is needed in a busy city centre environment.’