The council said yesterday it was about halfway through a changeover that would replace its passenger fleet with four-cylinder cars in the interests of fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Councillors voted in September 2008 to make its fleet more environmentally friendly.

Councillor Michael Osborne said it had been a ‘‘long battle’’ to get the administration to implement the 2008 resolution.

‘‘It is pleasing that council will finally be moving its vehicle fleet to four cylinders in the interests of fuel economy and reducing greenhouse gas emissions,” Cr Osborne said.

“Due to problems in the council administration, it seems the staff were not informed of the policy direction of council and 82 motor vehicles have been purchased in breach of the adopted policy of council.”

The cars included 52 Holdens and 18 Toyota V6 passenger vehicles.

Cr Osborne said the cars could add $828,000 to the council’s fuel bill and 1323tonnes more carbon dioxide to the atmosphere over five years.

The council released a statement yesterday that said a ‘‘hold’’ was put on vehicle changeovers until 2009 due to resources.

‘‘With the hold in place it was decided to wait until the results of an independent consultant could be presented and reviewed in detail,’’ the council said.

In December 2010 the council began the changeover of ageing cars in line with the consultant’s recommendations.

The council said 75per cent of its light-vehicle fleet were now four-cylinder cars. The remaining 25per cent would be replaced in due course.