Is this just a smoke screen there are far more fuel efficient clean disiel cars about and does the mayour not watch top gear they did a road test on electric cars and the outcome . . . waste of time and effort, they are expensive and given the price of electric are they going to build their own windmill to power it i bet that would get planning permission now!

It gives out a good signal to everyone else about caring for our environment.
The limo was most likely leased at high cost and expensive to run on top.
Well done Allerdale.

Allerdale have replaced the car and I assume that was planned. They could have leased another limo, so you have to compare the lease costs with that of a limo. I don't know how they compare. Maybe if Allerdale publish the information it will resolve the debate

these cars cost nearly eighteen grand new.
you would need to run it for about twenty years to get the money back! ridiculous

People have to realise the cost savings that Allerdale will benefit from changing to an eco friendly vehicle are not just from the fuels savings. I would say 55mpg is pretty good. I'm sure the old limo they had could get anywhere near to this fuel efficiency. There are other savings which will be realised eg cheaper road fund licence fee, and possible cheaper lease fee. As previously stated, this is a very positive, and responsible move by Allerdale. So don't knock them for doing the right thing.

Surely this is a good decision by Allerdale. They are saving costs by using a fuel efficient vehicle instead of a gas guzzling limo. I'm not interested if the lease company gets an advert. Any attempt to save costs is appreciated by us Council Tax payers. So well done Allerdale.

One of our drivers has one and it only does 55mpg
He says he would not have another

As with all things supposedly green if you take into account the disposal of the car and its batteries you will find it has little effect over the lifetime of the car.What would have more effect is not having a Mayor of Allerdale at all and then no cars would be needed for official engagements.

So how much is this car costing the taxpayer and how much does it save them compared to its predecessor? Is it going to be strictly for council business like the previous "limo" or will it be used privately too?
You cant help but be suspicious when you read the article which contains a nice little "plug" for the lease company.