IN A bid to lower pollution in the city, Southampton’s Mayor will now drive an all-electric car, which “reaffirms the city’s commitment to clean air”.

Councillor Stephen Barnes-Andrews, the city’s 796th Mayor, was presented with the Hyundai Ioniq by the Richmond Motor Group dealership in West Quay Road.

The Sheriff, Councillor Peter Baillie, will also use it to get to civic events.

The car has been loaned to the council for free with no set end date and may be upgraded on a regular basis, the dealership has said.

Nevertheless, the running costs for the vehicle, including the cost of plug-in electricity to recharge the battery, general maintenance, MOT and insurance will all be the responsibility of the council.

It comes just days after the city council signed off on plans for a non-charging clean air zone which will cover Southampton.

A Green City Charter is also in the works, which civic chiefs say will tackle all types of pollution in the city.

Cllr Barnes-Andrews said: “Every week, the Mayor and Sheriff manage a busy schedule of public events, representing our city, meeting and congratulating local people who have made significant contributions to society, and recognising the tremendous achievements of schools, colleges, universities, community groups and charity organisations in Southampton. Each year there are over 500 city wide engagements that the Mayor or Sheriff attend.

“It is important that we do this in an environmentally friendly way wherever possible, and driving the city’s first electric Mayor’s car enables us to do this. I’d like to take this opportunity to thank both Hyundai and the Richmond Motor Group for their generous sponsorship.”

Leader of Southampton City Council, Councillor Christopher Hammond added: “We’re committed to tackling polluted air and the negative health issues it causes. It’s been a top priority for the City and we’ve been successful in reducing pollution by 24% in some of our most polluted areas over the last 3 years.

“The Mayor is the first citizen of the city and is an important civic role which dates back to the 1200’s. Thanks to the generosity of Richmond Motor Group and Hyundai, he will now be able to attend civic events and functions in a zero-emission car. This sends an important message to our partners and reaffirms the city’s commitment to Clean Air.

“We are grateful to the Richmond Motor Group and Hyundai for their support in this important goal and their part in helping the city achieve cleaner air.”