Ashford leads the way with green initiative
Published: 22/06/2022
The business community in Ashford is leading the way in reducing the borough’s carbon footprint by taking part in the Kent REVS up for Cleaner Air scheme.
Over the past year, 130 businesses have taken part in the trial scheme across Kent and this week we received confirmation that Ashford has the highest amount of businesses using and having used the scheme in the county, with nearly a quarter of the overall businesses being from our borough.
What is REVS? Kent County Council has been allocated £1.5 million of funding by Highways England to trial an innovative scheme encouraging businesses in Kent to use electric vans. The aim of the project is to demonstrate to organisations the benefits of owning and running an electric vehicle and to contribute to the aim of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 across Kent.
There are 39 vans currently available to trial for free, for up to two months. The scheme is available to businesses, charities and public sector organisations in Kent and Medway who wish to try before they buy. Over 20 businesses in Kent have already switched or committed to a future purchase or lease of an Electric Vehicle
Since the scheme launched, 27 businesses from the Ashford borough have taken part, and three more are currently part of the scheme. These businesses have included contractors, the food and drink industry, manufacturers and social organisations. This is the highest number from any local authority area in Kent.
Reducing carbon emissions and air pollution, as well as saving money on fuel and maintenance are just some of the benefits of using electric vehicles.
Cllr Matthew Forest, portfolio holder for Environment, Property and Recreation at Ashford Borough Council, said: “As part of our Corporate Plan, we are encouraging every community and individual in the borough to play their part in supporting us to become carbon neutral. We are therefore delighted that so many businesses in Ashford have already taken part in the REVS scheme and that we are leading the way in becoming more sustainable. This is a fantastic opportunity to trial an electric van and to really support our green values in the community.”
The scheme ends in January 2023, so if you are interested in applying to take part in the trial you must do so before November 2022. You can learn more about the scheme or find out how to register by contacting revs@csltd.org.uk or take a look at their website https://lowcarbonkent.com/kent-revs-van-trial/.
