Council in line for city transport awards

6.54.37pm GMT Sat 6th Feb 2010

• RICHMOND Council's pledge to run the majority of its vehicles on 100 per cent biodiesel made from used cooking oil has led to three nominations in the London Transport Awards.

The Council made the decision to run as many of its 200 vehicles as possible on the fuel last September, in a move which will save up to £40,000 and 1,170 tonnes of CO2 per year. The 100 per cent biodiesel fuel is produced in the capital from used oil collected in part from restaurants and pubs in the borough last autumn.

Cllr David Trigg, Richmond Council's Cabinet Member for Traffic, Transport and Parking, said: "Protecting the environment is at the core of everything Richmond Council stands for and making our vehicle fleet run on used cooking oil is a huge sign of our commitment to cutting CO2 in the air. The decision has also been a commercial one - the contract the Council has negotiated will see our fuel costs drop as the biodiesel is cheaper than standard diesel. This means more money will be available to fund front line projects like supporting the elderly and helping people through the recession. Being shortlisted for these awards shows everyone living in the borough, and local government as a whole, that taking bold steps to cut costs and protect the environment is the right thing to do, especially as we work hard to become more efficient during the recession."

The Council has been listed in the most innovative transport project category, the contribution to transport category and the technology category. The winners will be announced in early March at a ceremony in central London. The decision to run vehicles in the fleet to run on environmentally friendly biodiesel follows a successful trial in 2007 to resolve issues with the fuel. The Council was pleased with the results and also with the quality of fuel. Many councils already use five per cent biodiesel, mixed with 95 per cent standard diesel. However, Richmond's trial showed no significant problems when 100 per cent biodiesel is used in its vehicles. The Council's vehicle fleet ranges from refuse collection vehicles to highway maintenance trucks. The vehicles need no alterations or works to run on biodiesel as this is a straight replacement fuel, they can also switch back to standard diesel if required.

Professor David Begg, Chair of the judging panel, said: "Transport is critical to the quality of life and financial success of London, and the dedication and hard work of those working to deliver this vision remains more important than ever. I'm really proud to be able to hold these awards to ensure both individuals and organisations get the recognition they deserve - especially so in the current climate, in which transport can play a key role in helping the economy emerge from the current recession."