By Jenny Barwise

Last updated 13:10, Wednesday, 01 October 2008

The Mayor of Allerdale, Allan Caine, is driving a new environmentally friendly car, saving the council hundreds of pounds.

Allan Caine is given the keys for the Toyota Prius

Mr Caine was given the keys to the hybrid Toyota Prius, which runs on petrol and electricity, by Phil Davies of leasing company 1car1, for him to use on official visits throughout the borough.

It is one of the greenest cars in its class with fuel efficiency at 65.7 miles per gallon, and the lowest carbon dioxide emissions around at 104 grammes per kilometre.

As well as being environmentally friendly, the council will also benefit from cost savings in its fuel bill.

Mr Caine said: “It’s so smooth and quiet. It’s a magnificent drive and obviously it’s good for the environment and very economical.

“I’m sure other councils in Cumbria will take notice of this and will be following suit.”

The council’s move towards cleaner, greener transport is part of its commitment to the Nottingham Declaration on tackling climate change, which it signed last year.

By doing so, Allerdale Council has pledged to actively tackle climate change in the district and help the UK deliver its national climate change targets.

The council is committed to developing plans with partners and local communities to address the causes and impacts of climate change. It will work across all sectors and industries in the local community to reduce energy use and congestion, improve the local environment and tackle local fuel poverty.