A top prize was scooped by East Lothian Council at the annual Transport News Scottish Rewards event held in Glasgow.

The award of Local Authority Fleet Operator of the Year was announced at a breakfast event hosted by Des Clarke and Carol Smillie at the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The award recognised East Lothian Council’s commitment to decarbonisation, which has been at the forefront of the fleet replacement programme.

In January last year, the council approved the Sustainable Fleet Management Strategy, which identifies a route to meet the forthcoming emission targets both for the public sector fleet and national objectives. This has the fleet currently operating 14 per cent of its vehicles as electric.

This has also been supported through infrastructure investment, which covers charging options on council sites along with a significant public charging network across East Lothian.

The remainder of the fleet has a replacement programme driving towards all vehicles being Euro 6 standard by 2024 and then focusing towards 2025 Scottish Government goals and long-term 2035 objectives.

Health and safety is also a priority within the fleet management, with the introduction of appropriate technology to enhance this where possible.

Councillor John McMillan, cabinet member for environment, economic development and tourism, said: “This recognition is a great achievement for our fleet services team.

“East Lothian Council continues to operate and maintain the vehicles and plant within our fleet to a high standard, along with embracing new technology.

“The fleet team ensure legal compliance is met and maintenance service is both timely and proactive to service users’ needs.

“Ongoing investment in replacement vehicles and plant is fully supported by the council, along with evaluating and testing alternative fuel solutions on our journey to net zero.”