Fleet that will deal with a load of rubbish

THEY are the pride of the fleet – 13 new Mercedes refuse collection vehicles have been delivered to North Lanarkshire Council.

The vehicles can accommodate both general waste and items for recycling, and have a variety of technology which makes them more efficient and easier to use.

As well as the lorries, the council has bought nine Johnston street sweepers and seven 3.5 tonne vans which will be used to transport cleansing teams and equipment around the area.

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“Our existing transport fleet was due for replacement, and these new vehicles will help us deliver a modern, efficient service that keep our streets clean,” explains Councillor Michael McPake, vice-convener of the environmental services committee.

“The new vehicles are far more fuel efficient than those they have replaced, helping to reduce the running costs, which is very important for the council with the rising price of diesel and the need to make savings. Technology allows us to monitor and download data from their operation, to ensure we are making best use of each vehicle.”

As well as being 40 per cent more fuel efficient, the street sweepers use a unique water circulation system to pick up and store tiny particles of dust – making them more effective. They will be out on the streets seven-days-a-week and their on-board technology monitors fuel consumption, the miles of street they have swept and service and safety information which keeps their down-time to a minimum.

Through our procurement process, the contract to buy the vehicles included training for our drivers and mechanics.

Alongside the other vehicles, the council purchased six new minibuses, which are used to transport pupils to and from our additional support needs schools.