A new vehicle is about to hit the streets of Farnham and it needs a name.

Farnham Town Council is the first council in the country to have ordered a Goupil hybrid electric utility vehicle, which will be used to assist with the delivery of a variety of its services.

The vehicle combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor. As well as being environmentally friendly, the running costs are a lot cheaper. It is exempt from road tax and because it will mainly be used in its electric mode, it will use very little fuel.

The new vehicle is smaller than a conventional truck so it will be useful for reaching parts of the cemeteries and allotments, which are only usually accessible on foot. The tipper-style truck will be able to transport materials needed for repairs and maintenance as well as bulky items such as gazebos, chairs and equipment for events such as the Farmers’ Market and Christmas lights’ switch-on.

Councillor Stephen Hill, Lead Member for Community Enhancement says: “For us, one of the main selling points of this vehicle is that when it is in electric mode it is very quiet. It can also accommodate a 500 litre water tank which means that next year, we will be able to water the town centre hanging baskets early in the morning without disturbing residents or causing an obstruction to other road users. The watering system can be removed at other times of the year making this a versatile addition for our Outside Services Team.

“The vehicle will be easily recognised as it has been vinyl wrapped by City Dressing with images showing some of the range of services for which it will be used. As the truck is going to become quite well known around Farnham we are keen to give it a name so please do send us your suggestions.”

Ideas for vehicle names can be emailed to bloom@farnham.gov.uk, tweeted to @FarnhamOfficial or posted on the Farnham Town Council Facebook page. The winning name will be announced in October.

Notes for editors:

The vehicle will be used to water the town centre containers and hanging baskets, which form part of the town’s entry into South and South East in Bloom. In 2015, Farnham in Bloom was sponsored by BBS Ltd supplier of Magimix products.

Caption:

Seated in the hybrid vehicle is Cllr Mrs Pat Frost, Mayor of Farnham. Pictured from left to right is the Outside Services Team, Cllr John Ward Leader of the Council and Bob Frost Mayor’s Consort and sponsor of Farnham in Bloom 2015.