SOUTHAMPTON environment bosses have gone green with the launch of a new fleet of electric vehicles.

The city council has purchased six new electric vans to replace some of its older and more polluting fleet.

Civic chiefs say it will help cut fuel costs by 97 per cent, while also allowing them to save on maintenance costs.

They have also announced plans to convert 20 per cent of the council’s vehicle fleet to electric by 2020.

Southampton City Council's Cabinet Member for Sustainable Living, Councillor Christopher Hammond, said: “The arrival of our first electric vehicles shows how seriously the council are taking the issue of air quality and the associated health implications.

“Electric vehicles could save an estimated 400 tonnes of carbon emissions, helping the environment and delivering cleaner air for everyone in Southampton. This is part of our wider Air Quality Strategy that includes a huge range of actions, and it is one of the ways that the council are leading by example when it comes to improving the city’s air quality.”

The introduction of electric vehicles is part of the council’s Clean Air Strategy.

Eight new electric vehicle charging points at the council’s West Park Road car park have also been installed for the council’s fleet vehicles.

The council will also be introducing 30 on-street parking charging points for public use in its car parks across the city by the end of March this year.

This will increase opportunities for those owning electric cars to recharge their vehicles while shopping or using other city centre facilities.