Vehicle additions grow support for childcare centre

Two new vehicles are rolling into a Rhyl childcare centre to assist with support and activities run from the site.

Denbighshire County Council’s Fleet Department has worked to procure a new service van and mini bus for the Oak Tree Centre, based in Rhyl.

The centre provides the Little Acorns childcare service, Play Ranger service and also assists with the provision of family information support.

To also assist with managing the operation of the site a Fiat e-Scudo medium van with a 200+ mile driving range will be available to staff running the Play Ranger Service

The new Play Van, which takes the Play Ranger fleet to three vans to be able to expand the current play ranger service to more areas across the county, providing even more open access play opportunities in local communities.

Helping strengthen transport to and from the site for the children and staff is a Toyota ProAce Verso 9 Seat Minibus with a 200+ mile driving range)

Both EV vehicles have been both vehicles have received funding support from the Welsh Government Energy Service.

Denbighshire County Council declared a climate and nature emergency in 2019 and has since been adopting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) into its fleet. Currently, more than 20% of its vehicles in its fleet are made up of ZEVs.

The Council’s Fleet department has been transitioning end of live fossil fuel powered vehicles over to electric with significant support from Welsh and UK Government departments to help  cut down on emissions produced reduce long-term costs for miles and maintenance across all services our fleet supplies to and lower the reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered engines.

Staff also take part in a training package run by Fleet which includes how to utilise the EV charging infrastructure safely and efficiently, making use of regenerative braking systems, and when to select a 'driving mode' based on conditions or payloads.

Paul Jackson, Head of Highways & Environmental Services, said:  “The minibus and van will allow Oak Tree staff to maintain their provision of services to children and their families in Rhyl and the surrounding areas. Both vehicles will provide greener mileage for the childcare centre and also lower long-term costs for miles and regular maintenance.”