Pressure is mounting on the council to make the mayoral car more environmentally friendly, as councillors called for his Rolls Royce to be replaced with a low carbon emitting hybrid car.

Recommendations to opt for a Ford Galaxy as the mayor’s next official vehicle were criticised at a meeting this week - because it was not the greenest option available.

During a debate at Tuesday’s strategy and resources committee meeting, Liberal Democrat and Conservative councillors called for the council to consider a Toyota Prius, which has low carbon emissions.

However, officers who researched the car options claimed in their report the Toyota Prius was not a “suitable option for chauffeuring”.

They instead recommended the committee voted for the use of a Ford Galaxy, which had the highest carbon emissions of all models listed on the report.

Conservative Councillor Sean Sullivan said during the meeting at Epsom town hall: "I remember once going to a meeting and the then solicitor general got in a tiny Toyota Prius.

"If it’s good enough for them I don’t know why it’s not good enough for us."

According to the report in the meeting’s agenda, the Ford Galaxy emits 152 CO2 g/km. Internet research showed the Prius emits considerably less, at a 104 CO2g/Km.

Lib Dem Councillor Julie Morris said: “Out of the seven (cars) here this is of course the most polluting vehicle from the lot.

She added: “It’s very, very disappointing that we can’t put a greener vehicle on the road and set the example to all the borough and show that we’re a green council.”

Councillor Jean Steer, from the Residents’ Association group said: “Mayors come in all shapes and forms and I don't think we should have the little car for the present Mayor.”

The annual rental of the Ford Galaxy would be approximately £3,800 and the second cheapest option, a Mercedes E200, would cost about £4,800.

However, the report did not details how much it would cost to lease a Prius annually.

The council has sold the Mayor’s Rolls Royce for £11,000, but only made £5,000 profit since it needed £6,000 in repairs by the time of its sale.

The item has been referred to the next full council meeting which will happen on December 14.