THE SWEEPER fleet which sweeps the streets of Cherwell will become more environmental after council bosses voted to reduce emissions.

Cherwell District Council executive committee voted on Monday to trial telematics technology which feeds back data on how operatives handle their vehicles and could reduce emissions by around eight per cent.

The council said this would save up to £24,000 every year and reduce CO2 emissions by 64 tonnes a year.

The motion also hopes to look at alternatives to using diesel fuel.

Cherwell District Council lead member for clean and green Debbie Pickford said: "Our fleet of vehicles is all about keeping the district clean, so it goes without saying that we want to minimise its impact on air quality as much as possible.

"We already run a really clean fleet but we’re constantly looking to improve, and eco-friendly measures like telematics are a chance to do just that.

"The technology is not just good for the planet, it will deliver savings to the taxpayer too.

"The idea behind this updated strategy is that as existing vehicles reach the end of their lives, we replace them with better ones.

"We’re expecting to be receiving a number of proposals on telematics next month, and hope to be acquiring more electric vehicles next year."

The new plans will improve the fleet of vehicles which cover waste and recycling collections, street sweeping and some staff transport,