Plug in for clean air

PLUG IN FOR CLEANER AIR

Bristol City Council’s free electric vehicle (EV) hire scheme will now include licenced Hackney Carriage drivers after a successful launch phase, as the city prepares for the Clean Air Zone in November (2022).

In March, the council launched a new scheme offering free trials of EVs to Bristol organisations to encourage them to switch to cleaner ways of travelling ahead of the zone launching on 28 November. Organisations like businesses, charities and sole traders can trial electric vans and cars for up to two months, to see if EVs could work for them and what the benefits are.

The free EV loan scheme, which is fully funded by National Highways, allows the council’s fleet services team to purchase up to 64 vehicles in batches, with 12 currently on loan and 15 arriving soon. The vehicles will be available to loan to local organisations until March 2024.

From this month (September 2022), two of London Electric Vehicle Company's (LEVC) purpose-built electric TX taxis will be available to Bristol City Council licensed hackney drivers, for free loans of two to four weeks, as part of this scheme. Councillor Don Alexander, Cabinet Member for Transport said, “I’m pleased to see our free electric van trial scheme has been hugely popular since its launch only a few months ago. “More than 60 organisations have tested a van or car so far and had the chance to see what it’s like to rely on electric: exploring things like battery range, charging point access and the cost of keeping these vehicles on the road. Many have told us the free loan has made them accelerate their plans to add EVs to their existing fleets. “Taxis are an important part of our transport infrastructure in Bristol, so we’re pleased to extend the free EV hire scheme to our licensed Hackney Carriage drivers. Getting a sense for the smooth ride and price of charging will present local drivers with a cleaner vehicle choice and the opportunity to help us reduce toxic air pollution which is so harmful to our health.

“We all have a role to play in Bristol getting cleaner air and although some petrol and diesel vehicles will be allowed in the Clean Air Zone, the EV scheme provides a helpful taster step for anyone thinking about switching to electric for their business.”

Angela Halliwell, National Highways' Head of Carbon and Air Quality, said: “We are working with councils across the country to encourage businesses to make the switch to electric vehicles and we expect many more to start using electric vehicles when they experience the savings possible. “We’ve invested £3.2 million in this initiative with Bristol City Council – a key example of how we are using designated funds to benefit the environment and communities around our roads as well as the people travelling and working on them.”

Each taxi is driven exclusively by electricity but features an additional on-board generator (a small 1.5 litre petrol engine), which is known as a range-extender. This increases the number of miles that the taxi driver can travel on one charge from 64 miles to 318 miles, completely eliminating range anxiety. Featuring flexible space for up to six passengers, the TX includes an integrated wheelchair ramp and can accommodate a forward-facing wheelchair – the only taxi of its kind to do so. Patrick Masih, a local taxi driver, said; “I’m delighted to be part of this trial. LEVC is a very elegant, durable and strong vehicle. It is the way forward to improve our local air quality, reduce noise pollution and lower carbon emissions across Bristol. It is import ant that taxi drivers test LEVC in our current fuel crisis. Trying it out allows us to accurately reflect on the big decision and financial commitment of switching to electric vehicles.” Should the new taxis attract a very high number of free loan applications, the council will prioritise taxi drivers with vehicles which will not meet the emission standards of Bristol’s Clean Air Zone or those whose vehicles are nearing the end of their working life.

Taxi drivers applying for a free electric taxi loan must operate at least one petrol or diesel vehicle and make frequent trips in and out of the city on the M32 or other motorways and major routes or travel regularly through the Clean Air Zone.

There is a waiting list of Bristol-based organisations already signed up to try an electric van or car.

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WESTON’S MARINE LAKE TO TEMPORARILY CLOSE

Marine Lake in Weston-super-Mare is set to temporarily close later this month to enable the replacement of two faulty sluice gates.

In order to carry out the improvement works, North Somerset Council must close the tidal lake from Monday 19 September. The work is expected to take a few weeks and will reopen when the tide is high enough to overtop the lake. This is currently estimated to happen on or around Thursday 6 October, with the lake reopening to the public shortly afterwards.

This is the latest in a series of work to take place as part of the council’s investment of £300,000 in bringing the lake back into use as an outdoor swimming and watersports destination.

Councillor Mike Solomon, the council's executive member for neighbourhoods and community services, said: “It’s been joyful to see the lake being enjoyed by so many residents and visitors since it re-opened at the start of June. This is testament to all the hard work that went in to restoring the lake and by so many people. I must take this opportunity to thank the volunteers at Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks, not only for their continued support with this project but for all their efforts over the busy summer period. I’m pleased that the sluice gates will be replaced later this month. ”The council continues to work closely with the Weston Marine Lake Mudlarks, a group of volunteers who assist with the management of the lake.

Claire Trevor-Roper, one of the directors of the Mudlarks, said: "We’re extremely pleased that the new sluice gates will be installed soon, and that the council’s executive has committed to maintain and manage them. It’ll be interesting to find out how much silt has re-entered the lake since it re-opened in June. This will provide a guide of how often the lake will need to be drained in the future.”

Councillor John Crockford-Hawley, the council's heritage champion, added: “This latest phase in Marine Lake’s restoration will ensure the best possible retention of water and aid the partial removal of silt. The season has shown how sensible we’ve been bringing this 94-year-old bathing facility back into proper public use. It’s certainly been very popular and it’ll be interesting to see how many continue swimming, canoeing, paddle boarding and generally enjoying themselves in the water as autumn approaches. I wonder if any descendants of those who created the lake still live in Weston? If so, they can be rightly proud of their forebears.”

The council’s investment in Weston’s Marine Lake is part of its £700,000 'Great Lakes' project which includes work to revitalise Clevedon's Marine Lake and Portishead Lake Grounds.