A NEW fleet of electric postal vans has been introduced at Hockley’s Royal Mail delivery office as the business attempts to reduce its carbon footprint.

The Eldon Way site is one of just 18 UK-wide locations to have been fitted with charging stations for its six new electric vehicles, with 100 vans in use around the country in total.

The vans are being used by postmen and women on their delivery rounds.

Royal Mail fleet director Paul Gatti said: “This is good news for our customers and the towns and cities in which we serve.

“It also means we are on the front foot for future changes in emissions legislation.”

He added: “Emissions are an important issue for us at Royal Mail.

“We are continuously looking at new and innovative ways to reduce our carbon footprint.

“Improving the efficiency of our fleet by introducing electric vans is just one example.”

The electric vans are direct replacements for vehicles that have reached the end of their operational life.

Royal Mail is also using electric vehicle technology for larger commercial vehicles to move mail within its network.