New Electric Minibus Powers Prestatyn Fflecsi

New Electric Minibus Powers Prestatyn Fflecsi

A demand responsive Prestatyn public transport scheme is set to be driven by a new all accessible greener vehicle. Denbighshire's Passenger Transport Team and Transport for Wales have worked together to provide a new EV powered vehicle for the Prestatyn Fflecsi scheme after the current operator contract came to an end. Fflecsi Prestatyn offers residents a demand responsive service to support them in making short trips into the town centre from residential areas and back again. Denbighshire County Council's Fleet Service already operates two electric powered minibuses that support similar Fflecsi schemes running in Ruthin and Denbigh. The council declared a climate and nature emergency in 2019 and has since been adopting zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) into its fleet. Currently, more than 20% of its vehicles in its fleet are made up of ZEVs. Denbighshire's Fleet Service has been transitioning fossil fuel-powered vehicles over to electric with significant support from Welsh and UK Government departments to help cut down on emissions, to reduce long-term costs for miles and maintenance and to lower the reliance on petrol- and diesel-powered engines. To support Fflecsi Prestatyn a Ford E Transit minibus, with a maximum range of up to 250 miles, will take over operating the scheme. The minibus will provide up to eight seats, be fully accessible and able to support wheelchair access. Cllr Barry Mellor, Lead Member for Environment and Transport, said: "Our fleet service works hard where appropriate to replace fossil fuel driven vehicles with greener alternatives to help lower carbon emissions in the county and also support lower long-term running and maintenance costs.   "We are pleased to be given the opportunity to provide the vehicle ourselves for Fflecsi Prestatyn, as we do for Ruthin and Denbigh, and help support a greener more modern mode of transport for local residents to use and enjoy."