New electric vehicles for town council

Three new electric vehicles have been leased by Melksham Town Council for the amenities team to carry out their work.

The council is spending £1,517.34 a month on contract hire, including two Maxus T90 pickup trucks at £536.17 each per month and one EP AMP XL electric utility vehicle at £445 per month.

The vehicles were delivered recently after councillors unanimously voted to proceed at an Amenities and Facilities Committee meeting on Monday 17th November. Questions were raised over whether a range of quotes had been obtained and if non-electric vehicles were considered.

However, Cllr Adrienne Westbrook said discussion had taken place in a closed confidential session due to the financial information being shared.

It is understood councillors were only presented with options for electric vehicles, not non-electric alternatives.

Cllr Andrew Griffin also asked whether a quote for a diesel vehicle could be shared to demonstrate the difference in cost and show that alternatives had been considered. However, councillors voted to proceed with the contract.

The council said the new vehicles “provide a permanent, reliable solution, while leasing offers a cost-effective and flexible approach to fleet management and reduces fuel costs compared with diesel vehicles, supporting more efficient service delivery.”

Cllr Westbrook said, “I am delighted that Melksham Town Council now has electric vehicles. Looking after the environment for the next generations has to be a very high priority. All councils must help to reduce carbon emissions and we must be at the forefront of new modern technologies.”

The two electric pickup trucks replace the council’s previous fleet, two of which had broken down and required repairs that were not considered financially viable, while a third was written off following theft-related engine damage. The council had recently been relying on hired vehicles to maintain essential services.