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The latest meeting of Epping Forest District Council’s Cabinet held on Monday 26 July is available to view by webcast.
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Effects of the ‘Pingdemic’
Cllr Nigel Avey, Cabinet Member for Environmental and Technical Services alerted members to Biffa – our waste contractor’s – shortage of drivers, made worse by the current ‘Pingdemic’.
He said they are doing a good job of coping but he will be keeping the situation under review. Waste and Recycling is one of the Council’s most important frontline services. Councillor Avey undertook to keep all councillors up to date ‘in real time’.
Air pollution Mitigation Strategy
Cllr Nigel Bedford Cabinet Member for Planning and Sustainability highlighted key points and updates from the Advisory Group on Air pollution Mitigation Strategy. He said latest Government figures show that EFDC has strengthened its position as the second highest user of ultra-low emission vehicles (ULEV) in Essex.
There are plans to introduce electric rapid-charging points at Oakwood Hill East carpark with a focus on taxi drivers who will need electric charging as they switch to ULEV. EFDC is also working with Essex County Council to develop proposals for using lampposts as charging points to support those residents without driveway or garage parking to be able to charge their vehicles.
Cllr Bedford said
Discussions are ongoing with Transport for London (TFL) to encourage them to introduce electric charging points at all underground stations, in addition to the ones at Theydon Bois.
The council is also working towards electrification of its refuse fleet
Climate change
Climate Change was also on the agenda with consultation taking place later this year.
Cllr Bedford said:
Every little bit of change will make a difference and we are starting to see people’s behaviour change across the district.
Among the initiatives – councillors also discussed making District Council and Corporation of London carparks free for electric vehicles. Council officials are also encouraging local businesses to make plans for the change to electric vehicles as soon as possible. Cllr Bedford stressed that this is not just a district, London or UK issue – it is a worldwide issue.
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