GLOUCESTRESHIRE Police are moving closer towards running a greener fleet of vehicles after installing its first electric charging point.

The constabulary was awarded £4,000 by Gloucestershire County Council’s Local Sustainable Transport Fund (LSTF) to pay for the installation.

Police and Crime Commissioner, Martin Surl, is keen for the force to adopt a greener option and last summer had the opportunity to test-drive a fully electric Vauxhall Ampera as part of his investigations into the viability of battery-powered cars.

He said: “I’m delighted that Gloucestershire County Council has been able to fund the installation of the constabulary’s first vehicle electric charging point.

"I believe battery-powered cars are the way forward and I think in 10 years’ time, maybe the whole fleet could be electric.

“Using electric cars for certain types of jobs will not only help to save money, but will be better for the environment.

"We’re looking at a number of models which would be suitable for the constabulary’s purposes and will be taking some on in the not too distant future.”

Councillor Vernon Smith, Gloucestershire County Council  Cabinet Member for highways and flooding, said: “As part of the LSTF grant from Government, local businesses submitted bids to the council on ways to help make their travel more sustainable. 

"Gloucestershire Police is one of 21 local employers that will benefit from this help.”