Huntingdonshire District Council has taken a major step forward in its commitment to tackling climate change, by signing the Nottingham Declaration and has become the 21st authority out of 54 in the East of England to do so.

By signing the declaration the council has agreed to develop plans with partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change and to reduce emissions country-wide.

The official signing took place last week in Norwich during a meeting of the East of England Regional Assembly. As part of the council’s commitment to the declaration, the leader of the council, Councillor Ian Bates travelled to the meeting in a low emission Toyota Prius – of the type that Huntingdonshire District Council will be using as pool cars.

The council is working to reduce the impact of its own transport with the introduction of low emission Toyota pool cars including the petrol/electric hybrid Prius Sponsored by Thurlow Nunn Toyota, St Ives. With a carbon dioxide emission rate of 104g/km, the Toyota Prius is the lowest rated vehicle in the emissions tables published by the Vehicle Certification Agency of the Department of Transport. This week Councillor Bates collected the keys of the first of four pool cars, which will be used by council employees.

Councillor Bates said, “The signing of the declaration will play a vital role in co-ordinating the activity that is already taking place to tackle climate change in the district. All sectors of the community will need to work together if we are to meet targets for reducing emissions and adapting to climate change. ”

Councillor Bates continued, “The council will encourage more sustainable travel for work practices amongst its own employees as well as promoting and encouraging the use and development of more sustainable modes of travel across the district.”