Town Council trials electric van about town

Broadstairs and St Peter’s Town Council has taken advantage of a new Kent County Council scheme and borrowed an electric van for two months to trial its “Man with a Van” project.

Kent REVS Up for Cleaner Air’ is an electric van (EV) trial scheme run by Kent County Council, providing businesses with the opportunity to try an electric van, with the aim of increasing awareness and support among local business to see the benefits and ease of owning and running an EV.

Operations Officer Paul Adkins and Caretaker Gary Jacobs can now be seen around the town refurbishing the Council’s many noticeboards, repairing signage, and installing new bins at Mockett’s Wood amongst other projects. 

Cllr Roy Dexter, Chairman of the Town Council explains, “This year’s budget includes funds for a handy person and vehicle, and we are delighted to be able to make use of the Kent REVS scheme to trial the suitability of an electric van.  This fits with the aims and objectives of the Council’s environment agenda and since Pierremont Hall has its own electric vehicle charging point, we jumped at the chance to join the scheme.”

Matthew Williams, KCC’s Sustainable Estates Programme Manager explains further, “There are 48 vans currently available to trial for free, for up to 2 months. The scheme is available to businesses, charities, and public sector organisations in Kent and Medway who wish to try it before they buy.  The benefits of an electric van include saving money on fuel and maintenance, reducing carbon emissions and air pollution in the communities you serve, and getting ahead of the ban on sales of new petrol and diesel cars in 2030.”

The scheme ends in January 2023, so apply for a trial van before November 2022.