Cleveland Police have taken a step forward in their campaign to drive down carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions with the introduction of the Force’s first electric vehicle, a Nissan LEAF. The use of the electric vehicle in daily policing activity forms part of the Force’s five-year Carbon Management Plan, which aims to reduce carbon emissions by 25 per cent by April 2016.
The Nissan LEAF is a 100pc electric vehicle, which emits zero tailpipe emissions and is powered by a lithium-ion battery. It will be used in an operational support role and it is hoped that through its introduction the Force will save a significant amount of CO2, along with a reduction in fuel costs over the agreement.
Commenting on the partnership
Chief Superintendent Michael Hartnack, who implemented the agreement said: “Cleveland Police is delighted to add this state of the art Nissan vehicle to its fleet. Without doubt, our commitment to the public we serve will be enhanced as a consequence of this agreement”.
Cleveland Police Authority Chair Mayor Stuart Drummond – who is also the environmental champion at Hartlepool Council added: “We are pleased to be working with one of our region’s most important companies who are recognised as world leaders in the development of ‘green’ vehicle technology.”
“In an organisation such as the police, reducing carbon emissions is a challenging task as we must continue to heat and light our police stations and fuel our patrol vehicles. However, the Authority and Force, working with our partners, Reliance and Steria, have identified a number of key projects to bring about our 25% carbon reduction target, with any financial savings being re-invested in policing our streets.”
Currently manufactured at Nissan’s Oppama Plant in Japan, Nissan LEAF production will begin at Sunderland Plant in early 2013. Jim Oliver, Nissan Sunderland Plant’s Quality Assurance Director, handed over the keys to the vehicle at Cleveland Police HQ.
Jim Oliver said: “We’re delighted that Cleveland Police are adding this Nissan LEAF to their fleet.
“The Nissan LEAF is the first 100pc electric C-segment car designed for the global mass market. This is just the latest example of how the Nissan LEAF can save money and help the environment by directly replacing petrol and diesel cars in everyday life.
“We’re currently preparing to launch our new Battery Plant, and everyone at Nissan is looking forward to LEAF production starting at Sunderland Plant in 2013.”
Dr Neville Cameron, Service Improvement Manager at Cleveland Police Authority and project managing the carbon reduction programme, explained: “We are beginning to see significant savings through the measures already put in place. Our Carbon Management Team is constantly assessing other energy saving initiatives, such as the installation of automatic lighting controls, LED lights, solar water heating systems and ground source heating pumps with the aim to surpass the reduction levels we hope to achieve.”
“Through our involvement with the Carbon Trust during 2011-12, we have been provided with approved tools, techniques and best practice from other Police Forces, Local Authorities and Central Government which will assist Cleveland Police Authority and its Force in becoming greener and greener with each coming year.”
