The city is planning to purchase hybrid vehicles to replace two vehicles that were destroyed in a car accident last month.
The city posted an invite for offers of two five-door hybrid hatchbacks last Thursday for one day. It was looking for new, unused vehicles with automatic transmission and hands-free cellular telephone capabilities to replace two vehicles that had to be written off.
“Four city vehicles were affected by a truck that ran out of control and two had to be written off,” David Morris, the city’s supply and facilities manager, told council at a meeting Feb.22.
The 26-year-old male driver lost control on Alder Street while adjusting his car stereo, jumped the curb at City Hall and struck the four vehicles Feb. 13 at 10 p.m., according to RCMP.
The crash caused extensive damage to two Dodge Calibers that Morris said were “purchased not too long ago” and were valued at roughly $10,500 each.
The city has budgeted for replacement vehicles at $40,000 a piece.
By purchasing hybrid vehicles, the city can dip into the community works fund.
The fuel efficient vehicles also tie into the E3 Fleet program which Campbell River became a participant of in November 2007.
The program promotes reducing greenhouse gas emissions, cutting operating costs while fuel costs rise and increasing fuel efficiency. As a member in the E3 Fleet program, the city’s fleet will be reviewed and a set of reports providing a snapshot of its emissions and performance will be provided. The program also provides the city with a comprehensive roadmap to improved fleet efficiency.
The evaluation complements the city’s ongoing green building initiatives and supports the city’s commitment to carbon neutrality.