Stratford, NH town’s vehicle fleet is going green
Chris Rhatigan, Register Staff /April 26, 2007
04/26/2007
Mayor James R. Miron unveiled several new vehicles Wednesday that will cut down on greenhouse gas emissions and cost taxpayers less. A Senior Services van and a highway truck run on natural gas; two Ford Escape SUVs are gasoline-electric hybrids, one for Miron’s use and the other a Public Works Department vehicle; and a high-efficiency Dodge Charger for the Police Department.
Miron said he hopes energy-efficient vehicles will eventually comprise the town’s entire fleet. “This new policy, which requires all town vehicles to be alternative fuel, high-efficiency or hybrid-electric, is part of my fleet vehicle management plan,” Miron said in a statement. “I have worked hard with members of my administration to create a sound, fiscally prudent fleet vehicle management plan that has an emphasis on protecting our environment.”
Miron said the Escape SUVs were purchased because there’s a specific need for them at the public works level. His vehicle will be circulated into public works when the need arises. Miron said he hopes to convert the Police Department from Ford Crown Victorias to Dodge Chargers in the coming years. The Chargers get two miles per gallon more than the Crown Victorias. The Chargers also have an option to use only four engine cylinders when all eight cylinders are not necessary, improving gas efficiency.
Police Chief John Buturla said the Chargers do cost slightly more at $22,522, but those costs are made up over time. He said that over a car’s life span, assuming the department uses it for 100,000 miles, savings would equal $2,300 per car. Miron said vehicles using alternative fuel were not an option for police, as their vehicles need quick acceleration. Stratford is the only department in the area that uses the Charger, according to Miron.
The natural gas vehicles emit 60 percent to 90 percent less smog-producing pollutants and 30 percent to 40 percent less greenhouse gases, according to the U.S. Department of Energy.Anthony Melita drives the Senior Services van, which he said the town has had “for quite awhile now.” Melita said he frequently transports seniors from the Baldwin Center to a doctor or hospital.
“It’s a very smooth running vehicle. You don’t even know you’re driving it half the time,” he said, referring to the van’s quiet engine.