A COUNCIL has said it will gradually phase out its fleet petrol and diesel vans, cars and lorries to be replaced by electric vehicles "over the coming years".

Gwynedd Council said it has "launched its intention to introduce electric vehicles" in a bid to become carbon neutral.

It follows the Welsh Government's declaration of a climate emergency in April which stated the public sector in Wales must achieve net zero carbon emissions by 2050.

Gwynedd Council said it has reduced its carbon emissions by nearly 40 per cent over the last 10 years and that green transport is the next step.

“As a council, we have committed towards becoming a carbon-neutral authority,” said Cllr Gareth Griffith, cabinet member for the environment.

“Earlier this year, Gwynedd was one of the first Councils in Wales to declare a climate change emergency. Our efforts to introduce electric vehicles to our fleet of vehicles will form an important aspect of the work to reduce the authority’s carbon emissions further.”

Cllr Catrin Wager, cabinet member for highways and municipal matters, said Gwynedd Council is looking at "exciting opportunities to make better use of green technology on our roads".

"Our goal over the years ahead will be to make more use of carbon-free vehicles as opportunities arise as we update our small and heavy vehicles within the council’s fleet," she said. “Whenever possible, we will be aiming to phase-out petrol and diesel vehicles and make Gwynedd Council’s vans, cars and lorries carbon neutral in the years ahead.”

Gwynedd Council said it will also include an eye-catching image on its electric vehicles designed by pupils in the county. The green vehicle competition will be revealed with schools over the coming weeks.