An electric rubbish truck lit up a street's Christmas lights and powered the PA at the switching-on ceremony.

Islington Council used the fully electric vehicle at the White Cross Street festive lights switch-on celebration on Friday (December 1).

Islington Gazette: The lit-up Xmas tree at White Cross StreetThe lit-up Xmas tree at White Cross Street (Image: Islington Gazette)The council said even the food stall was also potentially lit using the vehicle as the source.

Entertainment included live music from local talent at Soapbox, Prior Weston and St Luke’s primary schools, face-painting and crafts for kids, with free mince pies for all and mulled wine for adults.

Islington Gazette: The Mayor of Islington pictured at the event The Mayor of Islington pictured at the event (Image: Islington Gazette)Mayor of Islington Cllr Gary Heather was among the many attendees. 

The van belongs to council’s new fleet of 92 vehicles that are meant to cut down carbon emissions.

Cllr Rowena Champion, Islington Council’s executive member for environment, air quality, and transport, said every electric rubbish truck will save the council over 17,000 litres of diesel per year, which equates to around 45 tonnes of CO2 savings.

Islington Gazette: Councillor Rowena Champion, standing besides the electric vehicle, was also present for the celebrationCouncillor Rowena Champion, standing besides the electric vehicle, was also present for the celebration (Image: Islington Gazette)She said this is also equivalent to the annual carbon footprint of around 17 Islington residents.

She added: “We are committed to working towards creating a greener, healthier, more equal borough, where all can share in the benefits of tackling climate change.

“With COP28 starting this week, the electrification of our fleet is a tangible example of our work to create a greener, healthier Islington for all."