Salisbury City Council has taken a significant step towards sustainable travel with the purchase of two e-bikes.

This initiative forms part of the council's new Travel Action Plan (TAP), with the aim of reducing the environmental impact of work-related travel.

The move comes in response to the climate emergency declaration made by the council in 2019.

The TAP covers all council employees, volunteers and councillors at council sites and is designed to help the council meet the objectives of the Environmental Policy Action Plan.

This is part of a wider strategy to lower the council's carbon footprint and work towards net zero.

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One of the e-bikes in use (Image: Salisbury City Council) The e-bikes cost a total of £3,893.33, including additional equipment such as helmets.

They will be based at the Tollgate Road Depot and used for business travel during working hours.

Cllr John Wells, chair of the Environment and Climate Committee, said: "The Travel Action Plan clearly sets out the long-term planned commitment of Salisbury City Council to reduce our carbon footprint and improve air quality throughout the city."

The TAP, prepared by Sustrans following a review of the council's policy, procedures, and processes, can be found on the Salisbury City Council website.

It provides opportunities and recommendations to further reduce the impact of travel across all council sites.