Newport City Council has become the first local authority in Wales to join the ECO Stars Fleet Recognition Scheme.
Run by specialist transport consultancy firm TRL, the voluntary fleet recognition scheme encourages and supports operators of vans, HGVs, buses and coaches to run their fleets more efficiently and improve local air quality. Originally conceived by councils in South Yorkshire (Barnsley, Doncaster, Sheffield and Rotherham) it has now been adopted by many other council areas in the UK as well as Europe; the individual schemes now have more than 400 members with over 45,000 vehicles.
The adoption of the scheme by Newport City Council has seen the council’s transport unit – Newport Norse and Wastesavers – sign up and be awarded with a four-star rating. In addition, Owens Group, Amberon Traffic Management and Jumbo Cruiser have become members.
Councillor Ray Truman, cabinet member for licensing and regulation, said: “We are delighted to be bringing the ECO Stars scheme to Newport and will be spreading the word about the benefits of fleet operators signing up to get help and advice on how to operate more efficiently, reduce fuel consumptions and as a result reduce costs.
“This will help the council’s drive towards a cleaner, greener Newport.”
Ann Beddoes, ECO Stars scheme manager from Barnsley Metropolitan Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to welcome Newport City Council as members of ECO Stars, the first scheme in Wales. I wish them every success in their drive to reduce air pollution and improve air quality.”
