Improving our sustainable transport offer

Leading by example, in March 2023 the Council took delivery of its first set of fully electric vehicles.

Twelve Hyundai Kona EVs have replaced a number of the diesel-powered cars in our pool car fleet, reducing our emissions by 26,304kg each year. The Kona EV cars can travel up to 300 miles on a single charge and can be recharged in less than hour, using a rapid charge point. 

In addition, electric vehicle charging points have recently been installed at the Civic Offices and Alps Depot with the Council working with Cardiff City Region (CCR)  to roll out taxi and public charging points in the communities of the Vale.

The vehicles will be maintained by our in-house Transport Services team, many of whom will gain new skills as part of their training to maintain the green fleet of the future.

Through Active Travel Scheme we are creating and enhancing walking and cycling routes around the Vale of Glamorgan actively encouraging our residents, businesses, employees and visitors to choose more sustainable ways of making their daily commute to work or school. 

We are also supporting primary schools with schemes that encourage parents to walk pupils to school wherever possible, with schools signed up to the Living Streets WOW (Walk To School Challenge) project and choosing to actively travel to school. On average, schools signed up to the WOW scheme see a 30% reduction in car journeys taken to the school gate and a 23% increase in walking rates.

Working with Ovo Bikes we funded a pilot of the first fully electric bike share scheme in Wales. Rolled out in Penarth in 2019, 50 electric bikes were installed across several docking stations, with more added subsequently in other locations. 

As part of the CCR we have part-funded a project to bring a new transport interchange to Barry Docks Station. The transport hub will include up to five bus bays, shared passenger facilities including a ticket office, taxi drop off, park and ride, electric vehicle charging points and cycling facilities. 

With the contract for works recently awarded, construction on this important hub is due to start shortly and be completed in 2023.

Emma Reed, Head of Neighbourhood Services and Transport, said, “These schemes are all designed to improve our sustainable transport offer, reduce our carbon footprint, as well as offering opportunities for people to travel in ways that keep them active and healthy."