BUCKS council says it is "well on track to achieve its target of net zero carbon emissions by 2050."

The authority has released its first Climate Change & Air Quality Strategy 2021 to 2022 Progress Report, which reveals a 70 per cent reduction in the council’s greenhouse gas emissions compared to the year 1990.

The e-bike and e-scooter rental scheme, EV charing points, on demand bus service and encouraging the use of low and ultra-low emission taxis and private hire vehicles has helped this.

The council have also made improvements to active travel routes in Aylesbury, Wendover and Marlow and praised their Bucks Tree Mission, a commitment to plant half a million new trees on council land, one for every resident.

Gareth Williams, Deputy Leader and Cabinet Member for Climate Change and Environment, said: “While this progress gives some reassurance that our community is playing their part in tackling the significant environmental challenges, the report also recognises the importance of ramping up emission reduction and climate change adaptation work.

"This will include the creation of new larger woodland areas, the expansion of the number of EV charging points to 1,000 by 2027, and the delivery of energy performance improvements to many more homes.”

The council hope the report inspires residents to find ways to reduce their carbon footprint.

Gareth added: “We can all feel immensely satisfied with what has been achieved so far – the introduction of electric vehicles and sizeable solar photovoltaic systems by suppliers to the council, and the impressive number of trees planted by schools and community groups. I look forward to another year of successes, where we can share the benefits of securing a sustainable future.”