Carlisle purchases EVs for enviro-crime
Carlisle City Council has purchased a fleet of six pure EVs including one with an enforcement camera, it has announced.
The vehicle will be deployed within Carlisle to tackle environmental offences such as littering, fly-tipping and dog fouling.
The fully electric vehicle will also benefit the local air quality by reducing noise pollution and zero emissions. Equipped with CCTV, it uses a pan-tilt-zoom system which can be rotated 360 degrees and can be operated remotely.
In Carlisle, fly-tipping has increased by up to a third compared to last year and roadside litter is an ongoing issue during the coronavirus pandemic. The council is committed to its Keeping Carlisle Clean programme – and ensuring that people are aware of their responsibilities.
The offence of littering from a vehicle carries a penalty notice of £150 and failure to pay a penalty notice will result in the fine doubling and further action being taken in the courts.
Cllr Nigel Christian, portfolio holder for environment and transport, said: “The new electric CCTV van will help us track down those that don’t follow the rules. The new vehicle is a safe way of capturing and recording car registrations and, where possible, the actual crime being committed.
“There is no excuse for throwing litter out of vehicles. It’s harmful to the environment and puts our staff at risk when they have to clear it up. Wildlife are the main victims when it comes to people’s rubbish – particularly wild birds. Protecting animals from harmful rubbish is easy – dispose of your rubbish responsibly by recycling, reusing or simply putting it in the bin.”
- image courtesy of Carlisle City Council
