Leeds City Council has taken delivery of the first of 42 electric vehicles it is adding to its fleet.

The cars and vans will add to and, in some cases replace, electric and hybrid vehicles in the council’s fleet and will be used to deliver council services primarily within the city centre, where the reduced emissions will have the most impact, taking steps towards improved air quality.

It’s estimated that the vehicles will travel a combined total of around 450,000 miles a year offering fuel savings of £24,600.

Lucinda Yeadon, executive member for environment and sustainability at Leeds City Council, said: “Making the switch to electric vehicles means we can cut emissions from our business as usual operations and make not insignificant financial savings too."

As well as the new additions to the fleet, the council is offering Leeds ultra-low emission vehicle drivers a free parking permit.

More parking for electric vehicles is being allocated in council car parks and through planning conditions the council is ensuring new developments have suitable charging points.

As well as greening its own fleet, the council is continuing to encourage people to use sustainable transport and working to help remove barriers for the transport industry to make positive changes too.

Discussions with bus companies are ongoing to help them maximise their green credentials.