Council set to drive towards a cleaner, greener fleet
A proposed Green Fleet Policy will go before Wirral Council’s Environment, Climate Emergency and Transport Committee on 10 March 2026, marking a significant milestone in the authority’s work to tackle the climate emergency.
If approved, the policy would set the direction for transforming the Council’s fleet into a cleaner, more efficient and lower-emission operation, supporting both national climate targets and Wirral’s ambition to reach net zero by 2030.
The Green Fleet Policy sets out how the Council intends to lead by example in reducing vehicle emissions, improving air quality and ensuring value for money through smarter, more sustainable fleet management.
It follows a comprehensive Fleet Review completed in 2024, which identified significant opportunities to modernise an ageing fleet, reduce maintenance costs and cut emissions across Council operations.
Road transport is one of the biggest contributors to carbon emissions and local air pollution, including nitrogen dioxide and particulate matter. Wirral’s fleet travelled nearly 860,000 km in 2024–25 and used more than 193,000 litres of diesel, generating over 512 tonnes of CO₂e. The proposed policy seeks to reduce this impact by transitioning to cleaner vehicles, encouraging more efficient usage and improving fleet management practices.
Should the policy be adopted, the Council would prioritise zero-emission vehicles, enhance operational efficiency, reduce costs, and invest in modern infrastructure and digital tools. The approach is intended to deliver wider climate and public health benefits while ensuring the Council’s fleet is more reliable and better suited to modern service needs.
For residents, the shift towards a greener fleet would mean cleaner air across Wirral’s communities, reduced carbon emissions in line with the borough’s climate goals, more efficient use of public money, and more reliable services delivered through a modern and better-maintained fleet.
The policy also reflects Wirral’s commitment to leading by example, demonstrating how practical, everyday changes in local authority operations can drive meaningful progress in addressing the climate emergency.
If approved, work to implement the policy will begin alongside the wider Fleet Review Project, which is currently being developed and expected to progress later this year.
