Hyndburn Borough Council have invested in four additional eco-friendly refuse trucks and committed to having a total of 10 by Autumn this year.
The replacement refuse and recycling vehicles are fitted with zero carbon emission electric lifters which carry the waste and recycling bins into the collection vehicle.
Cllr Miles Parkinson, leader of Hyndburn Borough Council said: ‘Our refuse vehicles are replaced on a rolling programme and our new additions mean we are on track to have all 10 of the fleet green by Autumn 2021. Feedback from drivers and residents has been really positive so far, with people noticing the reduction in noise as the loaders are much quieter when being used.’
Cllr Paul Cox, cabinet member for environmental services added: ‘We take our responsibility to reduce environmental impact very seriously and know this is also important to Hyndburn’s residents.
‘We are committed to investing in green energy and it is great to see the refuse fleet achieving this. Long-term this investment will save us money and benefit the community, with 12% fuel savings and significant reduction in Co2 emissions, compared to previous vehicle models.’
Not only are the new vehicles better for the environment and air quality, they also have additional safety features in place which help protect both staff and the community.
Michael Ainsworth, transport manager at Hyndburn Borough Council explained: ‘With these new vehicles, drivers get a personal device that is electronically linked to the truck. It means if they have to leave the vehicle for any reason it cannot be operated by someone else, which is a great additional safety feature. There are also trackers fitted with cameras and many diagnostic tools, for example we can monitor fuel levels and check how worn the brakes are remotely.'
‘These new remote diagnostics means maintenance plans can be even more proactive, allowing an extra level of safety. This is in addition to the 6-week maintenance inspection that ordinarily takes place for every vehicle.
All 10 of Hyndburn Borough Council’s fleet of refuse truck will be eco-friendly ‘Clean Green Lifting Machines’ by Autumn 2021. The new state-of-the-art vehicles have been supplied and delivered by Go Plant Fleet Services.
Mr Ainsworth added: ‘Go Plant Fleet Services were awarded following the tender process and scoring the highest marks against both quality and price. They have made the process very easy for us with their dedicated account management, we are sure this is the start of a good working relationship.’
Darren Taylor, contracts manager Go Plant Fleet Services commented: ‘It has been a pleasure to deal with Hyndburn Borough Council throughout this process, they run an excellent operation and workshop on site. Our Company is extremely proud to be working with Hyndburn Borough Council and we are looking forward to supporting them over the next four years.’
