Members considered recommendations on the pool cars leased by the Royal Borough, the Mayoral car and Electric Vehicle Charging points.

The Lead Member highlighted that the issue of sustainability was important to the council. He was the Lead Member with responsibility for the issue, the Sustainability Panel met in public every six weeks and there was a manager whose responsibility was sustainability, energy and the reduction of carbon emissions. PV panels had been installed on the roof of the Town Hall and the council had spent £1m on schemes to reduce energy usage across its estate. The Lead Member had unfortunately been unable to attend the Overview and Scrutiny Panel the previous week, he felt that the outline he would give would answer the questions raised at that meeting.

The Lead Member proposed amending the recommendations to refer to electric/hybrid cars rather than just electric.

The Lead Member explained that the council previously had electric cars for its pool fleet, but the decision had been made to a system that allowed online booking and coded entry, removing the need for someone to manage bookings and keys. However, the new scheme required a much higher mileage level than was being achieved. It was therefore proposed to terminate the existing contract at the end of the second year when costs would be minimal. A report would be submitted to Cabinet in six months setting out proposals for a replacement scheme using electric/hybrid vehicles.

In relation to the Mayoral car, Members noted that it played an important role as it was often the first thing people saw when the Mayor arrived at an event, however it was felt that the council should show leadership by looking at an electric or hybrid option. The market was changing quickly and it was anticipated more options would be available by next year.

The Lead Member explained that there were very few electric vehicle charging points in the borough. There was a demand for points to be installed in areas such as in Windsor and Eton where residents lacked off street parking. However, the location of these points would need to be carefully identified, involving ward councillors. A grant was available for the project and the proposed supplier, Pod Point, already worked with a number of local authorities. It was confirmed that five sets of two charging points were proposed.

The Chairman suggested looking at the option of car clubs such as Zip Car for the council’s pool car fleet. He commented that charging points encouraged drivers to visit an area and therefore could enhance economic vibrancy. Councillor D. Wilson highlighted the need for fast charging points. He also suggested that the Managing Director and Leader of the Council approached Tesla, which had an office in the borough, to explore options for the Mayoral car.

The Deputy Lead Member – Bus Champion commented that the benefits of electric vehicles were numerous including being cheaper to run, cleaner, quieter, lower insurance and road tax and no congestion charge. The Mayor of London had committed to all buses in the capital being electric by 2020.

The Principal Member for Neighbourhood Planning and Ascot & the Sunnings highlighted the need for charging points in areas outside the two main towns.

RESOLVED UNANIMOUSLY: That Cabinetnotes the report and:

i)          Delegates authority to the Interim Executive Director in conjunction with the Lead Member for Adult Services, Health and Sustainability, and the Deputy Leader of the Council and the Lead Member for Highways and Transport to:

a.      Terminate the existing pool car fleet at the end of the second year of the three year lease.

b.     Carry out a review of the current mileage policy.

c.      Procure a new electric/hybrid Mayoral car during 2018/19.

d.     Assess the demand, identify suitable locations and install 10 on-street electric vehicle charging points. 

e.      Report to Cabinet in six months on a progress of work and future electric/hybrid pool cars.