Luton Council has taken delivery of its first all-electric van – to be used by the pest control service.

The Citroën Berlingo looks just like its diesel counterpart, but without a fuel tank. Instead, council workers just have to plug it in each evening to a convenient power point.

With no toxic emissions and costing just 50p to recharge, the van is clean, green and economical.

Top speed is 60mph and when fully charged the vehicle can travel up to 50 miles – more than enough for the rounds it will cover.

Cllr Qurban Hussain, who has special responsibility for citizenship and quality of life, said: "It's amazing. You'd never guess it was not an ordinary van. If this one is successful, then we plan to purchase more as older vehicles become due to be replaced.

"It shows our commitment in our Vision For 2011 to ensure that within seven years the town will be recognisably cleaner and greener.

"By leading the way we hope other businesses and the public will think about changing to electric cars too."