The delivery of the vehicles has followed a competitive tendering process, which saw Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) chosen as the service’s vehicle provider. This is a new customer for SFS and the contract includes the maintenance of the vehicles via Lichfield District Council’s existing workshop facilities.
The six-year contract hire agreement commences this month, with the option to extend for an additional six years, and involves the provision of 22 vehicles for the councils’ shared Joint Waste Service’s refuse, recycling and street cleansing fleet.
The new vehicles comprise 18 x 26- tonne Mercedes/Faun Refuse Collection Vehicles (RCV), three DAF/NTM and one Mitsubishi/Faun 7.5 RCV.
Councillor Iain Eadie, cabinet member for waste management at Lichfield district council, commented: “It’s great to see the new fleet of waste, recycling and street cleansing vehicles arrive. The trucks are more compact, making them easier to manoeuvre, as well as being more fuel efficient due to their latest clean burn Euro 6 engines. They also have the latest safety packages, including cycle awareness and a 360-degree camera system, as well as various other driver aids. We will put them to good use over the next six years, taking away waste and recycling, helping to keep Lichfield and Tamworth tidy.”
Partnership
The two local authorities have been working together on waste collections since 2010, under a move aimed at cutting costs for the councils. As a part of the move, Tamworth brought its out-sourced collection service, which was then operated by Veolia, in-house.
Councillor Michelle Thurgood, cabinet member for housing and waste management at Tamworth Borough Council, said: “I am delighted to see these new vehicles have been delivered and I look forward to seeing them on our streets. These are essential bits of kit and along with the teams responsible, do an amazing job at keeping Tamworth and Lichfield looking lovely.”
On the delivery of the new vehicles Bob Sweetland, managing director of SFS, said: “This was an unusual roll-out as it involved a transition from the previous two operators, who vacated at midnight, to the new SFS fleet, all within 24 hours. We are delighted to say that the delivery and mobilisation of the vehicles went very well and was on schedule. We will be working closely with the Joint Waste Service to ensure a smooth transition and making sure that the crews are fully trained on all aspects of the new vehicles’ operation.”
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