It is very encouraging to see Surrey businesses taking their environmental credentials seriously and Surrey County Council working with Guildford Borough Council to distribute Government cash to improve air quality.
Diesel van owners who drive along the Guildford stretch of the A3 more than three times a week, could be eligible for a grant to replace their vehicle with an electric model.
This week, Hi Speed Services Ltd based in Ash Vale, became the first business to benefit from the grant scheme, having been allocated £10,000 off the full price of a brand-new electric vehicle to add to their fleet.
Surrey County Council is working in partnership with Guildford Borough Council to deliver the £11 million National Highways scheme, aimed at reducing high levels of pollution in the area. Applications can be made here.
Matt Furniss, Cabinet Member for Transport, Infrastructure and Growth said, “Reducing carbon emissions and improving air quality is a major priority for Surrey County Council as we strive to achieve our target to be a net-zero county by 2050. Pollution levels on this stretch of the A3 are unacceptable and we want to do all we can to improve this situation and protect the health and wellbeing of local residents.
“I’m delighted that we are able to offer van owners a financial incentive to replace their diesel vans with electric alternatives and to support small businesses in the switch to lower emissions. We’ll also be increasing the provision of charge points near the A3 as we are across the county.
“This is an important first step in our joint work to improve air quality along the A3 and we hope to announce further joint interventions in the near future.”
Ian Dawkins, Managing Director for Hi Speed Services Ltd said, “Hi-Speed Services is a logistics specialist with the environment at the core of our values.
“We are a family run business and want to do right by our children and grandchildren.
“We have already been running four electric vehicles for the last four years and are about to install solar panels at our Midlands warehouse. We are really pleased to add another fully electric van to our vehicle fleet.”
Mike Sanders, Group Van Sales Manager at Rossetts Commercials (a vehicle dealership that is participating in the scheme) added, “Rossetts are delighted to be working with Surrey County Council and offering our customers all the benefits of the A3 EV grant.”
More information is available at www.surreycc.gov.uk/a3evgrant