The first all-electric bin lorry in Berkshire hits the streets of Reading

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Penny Silvester

Berkshire's first all-electric bin lorry has been unveiled in a bid to improve air quality in Reading.

The vehicle is powered by food waste and will help to cut greenhouse gas emissions. It is just one part of the council's plan to be net zero by 2030.

The crew on the new lorry will visit 1,400 houses every day to take away green waste, the equivalent of 8,000 miles a year, with no exhaust fumes.

Homeowners have welcomed the arrival of the electric lorry and applauded the council's attempts to improve air quality.

Reading Borough Council says it has lowered its carbon footprint by 63% since 2009 and aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 85% by 2025.

The electric bin lorries, it says, are part of a package of measures that it wants to introduce to help cut back on carbon emissions. 

Councillor Adele Barnett-Ward from Reading Borough Council says it is the first of many to come.

She said: "The diesel fleet is reaching the end of its life. We're learning on this one and it's performing really well.

"The aim is to get another six in and then to replace the fleet in the next three years. It doesn't make environmental sense to dispose of vehicles before the end of their life but as they reach the end of their life we will be replacing with electric."

The launch of the new vehicle comes as the town prepares to host a Climate Festival at the end of the month designed to encourage residents, businesses, schools and community groups to become more environmentally aware.