Vans turn green for Community Payback team

The Community Payback - Unpaid Work Team have taken receipt of two new electric vans, after their previous vehicles reached the end of their working lifespan. 

The Maxus electric Deliver 9 vans will help the council reduce its carbon emissions while delivering essential services, as the council works towards becoming net zero before 2045. By reducing carbon emissions, electric vans are helping to combat climate change and create a cleaner, healthier planet for all.

Part of West Lothian Council's Justice Service, the team need vans to carry out projects in the community which individuals are required to do as part of the community sentence. 

Anne McMillan, Executive councillor for social work & health, said: "I'm delighted to see these new electric vans on the road.

"They will allow our Unpaid Work team to ensure Community Payback orders can be carried out, while reducing our environmental impact."

Unpaid work hours are imposed by the courts as a requirement of a Community Payback Order, which allows people to give back to their communities. These can range from 20 to 300 hours, and usually must be completed within three to six months. 

Community projects often include tasks which require vans such as furniture removals, deliveries on behalf of local charities, landscaping and community gardens, and working in partnership with number of local charities.

Electric vans are also more cost effective than traditional vehicles, with as fewer moving parts and no need for oil changes. This means less downtime for repairs and more time on the road, supporting the delivery of essential council services.

They also produce significantly less noise than their petrol and diesel alternatives, helping to create more peaceful, liveable communities for local residents.