Cabinet approves investment in new service vehicle fleet
Councillors have approved investment proposals to improve our current vehicle fleet.
Improving essential fleets
Cabinet reviewed the proposals and agreed on the £2.5 million Capital investment into the Vehicle Replacement Programme (VRP). The significant investment allows the council to replace essential fleets which are currently operating beyond their useful economic life (UEL). Over 200 vehicles in the current fleet have reached or exceeded their UEL.
Investment in vehicles will improve operations and services
The Capital investment will reduce the long-term financial burden and effectively improve vehicle operations and services, resulting in savings in maintenance. Capital funding, is money earmarked for long term projects and investments and is used to buy, improve or create assets.
David Shepherd, Strategic Director for Growth and Regeneration said:
“Aging vehicles are prone to breakdowns, with some of our older vehicles having become unreliable, they’re putting additional pressure on staffing resource and council maintenance budgets. Investment in new, greener and more sustainable vehicles will help us meet operational demands, ensuring effective service delivery, fewer disruptions and value for money.
“Continuing our transition to a greener, more sustainable fleet supports our ‘Net Zero and Climate Ready by 2038’, meeting Euro 6 requirements to reduce exhaust emissions with cleaner, greener and more efficient fleets serving our communities.”
The council will purchase 35 vehicles over the next two years, including heavy goods vehicles and vans.
Positive impact on climate change
‘Net Zero and Climate Ready by 2038’ is our target to reduce harmful emissions and have a positive impact on the environment and climate change.