Two years after it began trading with a new fleet of 35 low-entry refuse collection vehicles (RCVs) bearing the three-pointed star, West London operator Greener Ealing has reported in glowing terms on their reliability and performance.

Collections of domestic, trade and green waste were previously undertaken by a third-party contractor, but following a strategic review the council resolved to bring the service back under direct control. Rather than moving to an in-house operation, however, it set up Greener Ealing, a local authority trading company that can supplement its income by winning commercial contracts. In addition to waste collections the business undertakes functions such as street cleansing, grass cutting and grounds maintenance.

Managing director Kevin O’Leary confirmed: ‘Greener Ealing has enjoyed a very good start in spite of the demanding operating environment and the many challenges we’ve faced, particularly in relation to the pandemic and the national HGV driver shortage.

‘We have continued to deliver essential front-line services to Ealing Council and residents, with much improved service delivery and reliability. Our Mercedes-Benz Econic fleet has been a major factor in this success, and we have every confidence that these vehicles will continue to perform at the same, very high level.’

The Econic is purpose-designed for municipal applications. As specified by Greener Ealing the vehicle attracts the maximum five stars from Transport for London’s Direct Vision Standard scheme, thanks to its deep, panoramic windscreen, and full-height, glazed folding side door. This, coupled with the low seating position, allows the driver to make direct eye contact with cyclists and pedestrians at junctions or in traffic queues, a major advantage in enabling each to understand the other’s intentions.

Greener Ealing’s 6x2 Econic 2630 Ls are powered by 7.7-litre in-line six-cylinder engines that produce 220 kW (299 hp) and are paired with six-speed Allison automatic transmissions ideally suited to stop-start operations. Rear-steer axles enhance manoeuvrability. Most trucks are fitted with FAUN Zoeller Variopress compaction bodies and bin lifts, although three have dual compartment Selectapress bodies with a 70:30 split by the same manufacturer.

The outgoing contractor’s refuse collection fleet was also dominated by the low-entry Mercedes-Benz. As well as the 35 new vehicles, Greener Ealing took on four older Econics, which were registered in 2016 and continue to provide reliable service. All of these trucks are inspected and maintained in the council’s own workshop, which is managed by a third-party provider.

Mr O’Leary continued: ‘The Econic offers excellent safety credentials and is ideally suited to the busy, urban environment we have here in Ealing. Ours have proved impressively reliable and are very popular with their crews. The roomy, air-conditioned cab is easily accessed via a single step, making life easier for operatives who get in and out numerous times during a shift, and the full air suspension contributes to ride comfort.’

Conscious of the need to protect vulnerable road users, Greener Ealing equipped its Econics with 360-degree camera systems. They also came with fourth-generation Active Brake Assist emergency braking technology, which is programmed to recognise other vehicles at higher speeds, as well as pedestrians when moving more slowly, and is capable of bringing the truck to a complete stop. Not only does this increase safety, but it also makes the experience at the wheel more enjoyable and less stressful.

Reflecting the commitments to safety and innovation that have long been a hallmark of the brand, Mercedes-Benz Trucks has since updated its ground-breaking driver aid – Active Brake Assist 5, which is now fitted as standard on all Econics, employs a camera for the first time, as well as radar, so is even more accurate.

The vehicle also comes now with an Electronic Parking Brake (EPB). This is applied automatically whenever the engine is switched off and the Parking Brake will release automatically when the driver applies the throttle to pull away, preventing any unintentional vehicle movement.

Greener Ealing are committed to playing its part in the drive to improve air quality in the borough, and given its positive experience of running diesel-engined Mercedes-Benz vehicles, it now looks forward to trialling the zero-emission battery-electric eEconic. The first two right-hand drive examples are due to arrive in the UK before the end of the year and have been earmarked for demonstration purposes.

To learn more about Greener Ealing visit: ealing.gov.uk

This article first appeared in the autumn issue of LAPV. To subscribe for free click here.