Westmorland and Furness Council has kicked off a six-month trial to power its newer fleet of vehicles with biofuel.
The council’s compatible fleet vehicles include tipper wagons, home-to-school transport, and gritters.
The trial of biofuel, a green diesel, is expected to cut carbon emissions by up to 90%.
A new biofuel tank has been installed at the Skirsgill depot in Penrith, where the trial is based. The council said the swapping of fuel required no costly vehicle modifications – meaning it can be used in all the council’s newer vehicles.
It said while biofuel costs slightly more than regular diesel, it was training its staff to adopt more fuel-efficient driving styles to help offset this.
The council added: “The pilot will also help inform the council’s Fleet Decarbonisation and Replacement Strategy which is currently being developed and will take a holistic approach to greener vehicle replacement, exploring full electric, hybrid, and biofuel options to find the best fit for its 500-strong fleet.
“If the trial is successful, the council will look to roll the scheme out more widely across its depots and additional vehicles.”
