URL: https://meetings.westoxon.gov.uk/ieDecisionDetails.aspx?ID=475

Decision Maker: Executive

Outcome:

Is Key Decision?: Yes

Is Callable In?: Yes

Purpose: To seek approval to procure new vehicles.

Content: Councillor Andrew Prosser, Executive Member for Climate Action and Nature Recovery, introduced the item the purpose of which was to seek approval to procure vehicles for the Street Cleansing service.   In his presentation Councillor Prosser made the following points: The report had included the alternative options for vehicle procurement, and these were: ·         Retain Existing Vehicles Advantages: Avoided immediate capital expenditure. Disadvantages: This option significantly increased the risk of service failure due to mechanical breakdowns. Maintenance costs for aging sweepers were increasing, and downtime impacted operational efficiency and resident satisfaction. ·         Procure two Fossil Fuel-Powered Sweepers Advantages: Fossil fuel-powered vehicles were widely available and had lower upfront costs compared to electric alternatives. Disadvantages: This option did not support the Council’s commitment to achieving net-zero carbon emissions by 2030. Continuing with this technology would lock in higher emissions for the lifespan of the vehicles. ·         Explore Hydrogen or Other Emerging Technologies Advantages: Hydrogen-powered vehicles offered zero tailpipe emissions and could align with long-term sustainability goals. Disadvantages: Hydrogen sweepers were not readily available in the current market, and infrastructure requirements would be significantly more complex and costly than electric charging solutions. This option was therefore not viable at present. ·         After evaluating these alternatives, the proposed approach, to replace the smaller electric sweeper on a like-for-like basis now and delegate the decision on the larger sweeper pending schedule reviews and depot capacity identification, represented the most practical and strategic choice. This approach continued the delivery of environmental benefits, aligned with the Council’s climate commitments, and maintained The small electric-powered vehicle-mounted road sweeper was a replacement vehicle. Procurement of the larger electric vehicle would be delegated to the Director of Place in consultation with the relevant Executive Members as further trials were required. The trials would include exploration of the schedules and distances required to be covered by the vehicle.   Councillor Alaric Smith, Executive Member for Finance, seconded the proposal and stated that it was important to progress the replacement of the fleet where necessary in line with the Council’s green objectives.   This was voted on and agreed unanimously.   RESOLVED: That the Executive: 1.    Approved the use of capital funding of £260,000 to procure one small (~3.5t) electric-powered vehicle-mounted road sweeper on a like-for-like basis. 2.    Delegated authority to the Director of Place, in consultation with the Executive Member for Environmental Services, the Executive Member for Finance, and the Director of Finance, to: a)    Review the sweeping re-scheduling report and assess depot capacity following a further electric vehicle trial. b)    Approve the use of capital funding of £235,000 - £435,000 to procure one large (~16t) vehicle-mounted road sweeper, based on the outcome of the review and trial. c)    Approve the use of capital funding of £15,000 to procure any necessary charging infrastructure if an electric option is selected for the larger sweeper.

Date of Decision: February 11, 2026