WINCHESTER’S Park and Ride buses are getting a green upgrade as part of a new contract between the city council and Stagecoach.

From Spring this year, all the Park and Ride buses will switch from diesel fuel to Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil (HVO), a renewable fuel that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions. HVO-fuelled vehicles can reduce carbon emissions by up to 90 per cent.

The switch to HVO is part of Winchester City Council’s plan to tackle the climate emergency and become a carbon-neutral district by 2030.

READ MORE: Winchester City Council releases carbon neutrality roadmap

The new fuel will also help improve air quality because HVO produces around 30 per cent fewer fine particulates and hydrocarbons, 25 per cent less carbon monoxide and 10 per cent less nitrogen oxide than diesel. HVO Fuel will only be purchased from accredited, sustainable sources.

Cllr Kelsie Learney, cabinet member for the climate emergency, said: “We’re really proud of our Park and Ride service and we actively encourage car visitors to our city to use it to help improve air quality and reduce congestion in the city centre.

“I’m really pleased that the service will now become an even greener option as we make this switch to HVO fuel. This is an interim step to allow us to be greener faster as we transition to a fully carbon neutral service using electric vehicles when cost and infrastructure allows.”

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Hampshire Chronicle: Marc Reddy, Cllr Kelsie Learney, Stagecoach Commercial Director James O'Neill, Cllr Martin Tod, Stagecoach Operations Manager Mark JacksonMarc Reddy, Cllr Kelsie Learney, Stagecoach Commercial Director James O'Neill, Cllr Martin Tod, Stagecoach Operations Manager Mark Jackson (Image: Winchester City Council)

Marc Reddy, Stagecoach South managing director, said: "We're really proud to continue our long partnership with Winchester City Council and take the service to an even cleaner, greener, level this year."

"Investing in the latest technology is not only part of our national strategy to be zero-emission by 2035, but ensures we help improve air quality in the city, looking after the communities we all live and work in."

Winchester has five Park and Ride car parks on the outskirts of the city centre running Monday to Saturday as often as every 10 minutes during peak times and every 15 minutes at off peak times.