Bradford bids to improve air quality with eCollect

The council’s goals are to install a genuine zero-emissions fleet of RCVs to help improve health and air quality in the district.

This forms part of the Bradford Clean Air Plan and to help it achieve this, it has set measurable targets including reducing emergency respiratory admissions at Bradford Royal Infirmary by 10% in the next two years.

It also supports Bradford’s commitment to combating climate change, where it aims to achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2038, with significant progress by 2030.

During the trial earlier this year, the council noted that the eCollect was easier to drive and more efficient than its current vehicles and was also much quieter and narrower, making it easier to manoeuvre while it presents less of an obstruction for other road users.

It used the eCollect to travel 100 miles on a single charge and worked out that it cost the council around £20 to fully charge it overnight.

Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Healthy People and Places Coun Sarah Ferriby said: “It is great to see improvements in our vehicle fleet as part of our air quality and health ambitions and net zero carbon emissions targets. 

“The eCollect refuse collection vehicle will really stand out on the streets of Bradford as a zero-emissions vehicle setting the standard for the rest of our fleets.”

Dennis Eagle’s Regional Sales Manager Andrew Christie added: “I’m delighted that Bradford has bought its first eCollect. Operationally, it will provide exactly what they are looking for and it will do it with zero emissions.

“This is totally in line with the council’s Sustainable Development Action Plan and will help combat the climate emergency as well as improving local air quality.”