Transfer to Electric Vans and Alternative Fuel Part of Guildford’s Fleet Modernisation

Published on: 23 Aug, 2026
Updated on: 25 Aug, 2026

Some of the dust trucks in the 41 vehicle fleet at the council’s Woking Road depot. Taken in 2020.

By Cristina Trujillo

Guildford Borough Council is finally updating its ageing fleet, with most vans set to be electric and alternative, more sustainable fuel planned for larger vehicles.

A replacement strategy has been approved for ageing vehicles and equipment, enabling the rollout of the modernisation.

This comes amid reports that the forecast maintenance expenditure could be nearly double what was budgeted.

Cllr Angela Goodwin

Lead councillor for Environment and Sustainability Angela Goodwin (Lib Dem, Onslow) said: ”Many of the vehicles we rely on every day to deliver essential services are now beyond their normal operating life.

“Replacing them is a necessary investment that will improve reliability, reduce maintenance costs and provide better value for money for residents.”

The old Guildford fleet carried substantial risk of breakdowns, which the replacement aims to reduce, along with increasing reliability and providing better value for money.

The replacement scheme also supports the council’s net zero strategy. Most new vans used for housing repairs, street cleansing, parks and waste services will be electric.

Meanwhile, larger vehicles that carry out refuse collection, street sweepers, tractors and ride-on mowers may use alternative fuel in the new fleet.

Larger vehicles will also be specified, where suitable, to meet the new Euro 7 emissions standard, helping to reduce emissions

Goodwin added: “This programme will help future-proof our fleet, support our climate change ambitions and ensure we can continue delivering high-quality services.

“By taking a balanced approach to vehicle replacement, we can improve service resilience while reducing our environmental impact.”

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