A pair of ‘eco-friendly’ vans have been added to Brent Council’s waste collection fleet to help reduce its carbon emissions.

The electric vehicles are replacing diesel ones which, according to the council, will cut around 30 tonnes of carbon dioxide in the borough each year.

It is part of a partnership with Veolia, which manages Brent’s fleet, following trials of the efficiency of electric transport in London.

Cllr Krupa Sheth, responsible for the environment at Brent Council, said: “Veolia’s vehicles have a big footprint across Brent, so I’m thrilled at this latest announcement.

“Its impact is a great example of the difference organisations can make to our environment.

“I hope others will take notice – investing in greener alternatives is not just a nice to have. It is the key to ongoing success and makes smart business sense.”

The move is the latest by the council to improve air quality in the borough and comes following the introduction of the ultra-low emissions zone in London.

These include charging diesel drivers a surcharge on parking permits and the installation of electric charging points in residential streets.

But campaigners, while recognising the need to be greener, have warned that there needs to be clear, affordable alternatives when it comes to transport.

Nicholas Lyes, head of roads policy at motoring organisation RAC, said “significant barriers” such as upfront costs and charging infrastructure are putting people off making the switch.

He believes the entire system, at a national and local level, needs to be tailored to achieve this.