THE Isle of Man Government has taken delivery of its first off-road electric vehicle.

The Forestry Directorate of the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture has bought a Polaris Ranger EV which will be used at the Tynwald National Park and on the hill land and forest estate.

Its green credentials mean the vehicle will have minimal impact on the hill land in terms of physical impact and carbon footprint and offers a cost saving on traditional vehicle fuels.

The vehicle has a maximum range of 50 miles and a top speed of 25 miles per hour. The ex-demonstration model was bought by the department for around £8,500 and was supplied by Motors and Mowers of Kirk Michael.

Tim Crookall, chairman of the Forestry Directorate, said: "This is the first off-road electric vehicle within government and it is right that this department should lead the way in using and developing the use of this type of technology. It will help with the management of the estate as a whole without disturbing either the wildlife or users of the estate and will cause minimal pollution."

Picture caption: L to R - Andrew Sitebottom, director of forestry, amenity and lands, Barry Dawson, from Motors and Mowers, Tim Crookall MHK, chairman of the Forestry Directorate and Juan Turner, member for the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture.