A BID to replace the Royal Borough's mayoral car with a greener model appears to have hit a stumbling block after officials said they were not convinced by the technology - and voiced fears over a waste of money.

The Jaguar XJ Sovereign that transports Cllr Sayonara Luxton on official trips is 10 years old but 'still in very good condition', according to a report.

However the 2007 model is a diesel vehicle and due to its age could require further maintenance as time goes by, the Royal Borough's Transport overview and scrutiny panel heard on Tuesday.

Councillors were therefore asked to consider giving the thumbs up to a new electric mayoral car for next year.

But Cllr Julian Sharpe (Con, Sunninghill & South Ascot) said the proposal had possible come too early

He said: "It is still very early technology....the technology is going to be improving all the time."

Chairman Hari Sharma (Con, Furze Platt) said the move would show the council was taking the initiative on greener vehicles - at a time when bus companies themselves were being asked to reduce their emissions.

He said: "If we take the initiative it is encouragement to our residents."

The meeting heard it would cost around £6,000 a year to pay for a new electric vehicle over five years and upwards of £7,500 a year to lease one. However operating costs would come down by around two thirds due to greener energy.

But Cllr Maureen Hunt (Con, Hurley and Walthams) said there was a danger a greener car may lack the presence of the current vehicle.

She said: "If we start putting the mayor in a small little car with a small little sign it doesn't look good."

She said it was important to 'make the mayor's position like the position it is'.

Councillors agreed to put the proposal to the authority's cabinet for a final decision - with the understanding that it may be premature to procure an electric car.

Cllr Malcom Beer (Ind, Old Windsor) added: "We would be putting a lot of money on the table and we would still be in the guinea pig stage.

"I think we should wait a couple of years and then look at it.

"The Jaguar is a quality vehicle and it is not used in a heavy manner."