A PUBLIC transport expert and former councillor has questioned Farnham Town Council’s decision to spend £33,000 of taxpayer’s money on an “unproven” hybrid van.

The council is the first 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.

It combines an internal combustion engine with an electric motor and as well as being environmentally friendly, it is exempt from road tax and the running costs are a lot cheaper.

However, at a total cost of £33,256 to the taxpayer and with little evidence that it is fit for use, some have questioned the logic of the council’s investment.

David Beaman, who founded bus operator Sureline in Weymouth before becoming a Farnham town councillor in 2011, challenged the expense during the last administration and still retains doubts about the vehicle.

He told The Herald: “Only one other councillor and myself actually took advantage of the opportunity to inspect a demonstration vehicle and I had doubts as to whether it would be ‘man enough’ to do the job expected of it.

“My doubts still remain and in my opinion the £33,256 could have been better spent and achieved even greater overall environmental benefits on other projects such as water recycling and installation of solar panels.”

Despite Mr Beaman’s reservations, councillors agreed to purchase the Goupil to replace the council’s Citroen Berlingo van in June last year - conceding that it would cost more than its diesel competitors but on-going running costs would be less, supplementing its environmental benefits.

Smaller than a conventional truck, the council says the new vehicle will be useful for reaching parts of the cemeteries and allotments 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.

Stephen Hill, lead councillor for community enhancement, said: "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 ream.”

Mr Hill has appealed for the public to submit suggestions for a name for the new vehicle. Ideas can be emailed to [email protected], tweeted to @FarnhamOfficial or posted on the Farnham Town Council Facebook page. The winning name will be announced later this month.