My office has today issued a press release on something that might seem like a small announcement but I think its show my commitment to the \”green agenda\” through my priority of a \”Green & Pleasant\” county.  I don\’t believe in green wash, hopefully if you know me, you know If I say I will do something I will do it (or at least explain why I wasn\’t able to do it), something I don\’t think applies to all elected officials.

Last week I chaired a regional meeting of PCCs along with Chief Constables, where I tabled a discussion around letting police officers from across the south west use any forces electric charging points without any charge (pardon the  pun).

There was some lively discussion, but it was agreed.

So what that means, is that in the future, officers and staff from Gloucestershire travelling to neighbouring counties for court cases, meetings or training can legitimately use one of our Force electric car, rather than using a diesel or petrol car!

For me this small change will help to save forces money in fuel costs but more importantly it will help to reduce our carbon footprint by eliminating emissions completely for certain journeys.

I’m pleased that this agreement has been secured between the five forces in the South West region, I am proud that Gloucestershire Constabulary is a leading the way when it comes to the green agenda.

Its the only force in the country to hold the ISO 14001 Environmental Standard 2015 certification, for our commitment to reducing waste and pollution.

Today\’s announcement is great news because as our electric fleet grows it is important we can support those vehicles to be used on longer journeys.

This agreement will save both money and the planet, and is just the latest in my commitment to maintaining ‘A Green and Pleasant County’ in Gloucestershire.

All five of the South West forces will start by mapping the location and type of charging points held across their Force areas, and have committed to ensuring that there will be no financial cost to use charging points in other areas for at least two years.

I\’m also pleased my PCC colleagues and Chief Constables committed to working together to share good practice in relation to carbon reduction, with a view to develop a regional sustainability strategy for the South West.

If I am re-elected in May, I will maintain my commitment to the green agenda.