ECO Stars Scheme has proved such a success in South Lanarkshire, since it launched in 2014, that it is now being extended to Taxi services.
Councillor John Anderson, Chair of Community and Enterprise Resources, and Shirley Clelland, Head of Fleet and Environmental Services, marked the success with a presentation to the 200th member of the Fleet Scheme, NHS Lanarkshire, and Wellman Cars, the first member of the Taxi Scheme.
Councillor Anderson said
“ECO Stars is simple to join, and their team even visit a company to complete the application on behalf of the organisation”.
“It rates the performance of individual vehicles and a fleet’s overall operation using star ratings, and each member receives a tailored ‘road map’ to ensure their vehicles are running as efficiently and economically as possible and to help them progress to higher ratings. It is a wonderful scheme both for the companies involved and for the environment.”
“I look forward to seeing the benefits it brings them and all others involved, as well as the tremendous advantage to the quality of air breathed by the people of South Lanarkshire and beyond.”
Shirley Clelland added
“When we marked Clean Air Day recently, we saw many ways that a variety of schemes are helping to improve air quality and benefit the environment and ECO Stars is another great example of this”.
“For example, by implementing the key measures recommended by the ECO Stars Scheme, a typical HGV could see its annual output of carbon dioxide fall by six tonnes a year.
“In addition, the same measures could also save operators up to £2,600 per HGV in a year – for an operator with 10 vehicles, this equates to a saving of one whole tanker of diesel – or up to £300 per taxi or private hire vehicle.”
“Companies can promote their green credentials by displaying ECO Stars logo on their website, reassuring everyone that they are doing their part in helping the air they are breathing.
“This is a win-win situation for everyone, and I would urge all commercial vehicle operators to follow the example of NHS Lanarkshire, Wellman Cars and all our other members and get involved with ECO Stars as soon as they can.”
From the first taxi-scheme member Wellman Cars, Frank Welsh said
“We are so pleased to be the first ECO Stars Taxi and Private Hire Scheme member and to achieve 4 stars. The advice we were given from the ECO Stars team was tailored to our operations, and we look forward to working with the team to move forward to a 5-star rating.”
Pictured is Paul Wilkinson, from ECO Stars, with Blair Wellman, from Wellman cars, Marie and Lesley, from Lanarkshire NHS, Councillor John Anderson, Chair of Community and Enterprise Resources, and Shirley Clelland, Head of Fleet and Environmental Services. Receiving their plaques for Wellman cars taxi member 001 and Lanarkshire NHS 200th fleet member.
For all enquiries call 01344 770700 | Contact us | News