Islington Council powers Christmas lights with electric van

The White Cross Street festive lights switch-on celebration was held by the council on Friday (December 1) wherein a fully electric refuse collection van (RCV) was used to power the lights and PA system for the first time.

Times Series: The lit-up Xmas tree at White Cross Street The lit-up Xmas tree at White Cross Street (Image: Islington Gazette)The food stall, the council said, was also potentially lit using the RCV as the source.

The event included live music from local talent at Soapbox, Prior Weston and St Luke’s primary schools, face-painting and crafts for kids, free mince pies for all and mulled wine for adults.

Times Series: The Mayor of Islington pictured at the event The Mayor of Islington pictured at the event (Image: Islington Gazette)The Mayor of Islington, Councillor Gary Heather, were among the many attendees.

The van reportedly belongs to council’s new fleet of 92 vehicles that are meant to cut down carbon emissions.

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Councillor Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s Executive Member for Environment, Air Quality, and Transport said each of the RCVs will save the council over 17,000 litres of diesel per year which equates to around 45 tonnes of CO2 savings.

Times Series: Councillor Rowena Champion, standing besides the electric vehicle, was also present for the celebration Councillor Rowena Champion, standing besides the electric vehicle, was also present for the celebration (Image: Islington Gazette)This, she said, is also equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of around 17 Islington residents.

She added: “We are committed to working towards creating a greener, healthier, more equal borough, where all can share in the benefits of tackling climate change.

“With COP28 starting this week, the electrification of our fleet is a tangible example of our work to create a greener, healthier Islington for all.”