Issue - meetings

RESOLVED that the replacement of 4 waste collection vehicles as set out in the report be approved.

Executive considered a detailed report, presented by the Portfolio Holder for Environment, which sought Member’s approval for the purchase of 4 refuse collection vehicles.

The Strategic Director of Services advised Members that the size and configuration of these vehicles were not available in electric unless built on a retrofit basis, which costings received was £586k per vehicle. However, the vehicles proposed in the report were able to operate on HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil) offering 60% (approx.) reduced tail-pipe emissions. He added that when these refuse and Housing fleet vehicles were replaced later this year, approximately 90% of the fleet would be HVO compatible at which point a switch to HVO fuel would be considered.

Moved by Councillor Anne Clarke and seconded by Councillor Duncan McGregor

RESOLVED that the replacement of 4 waste collection vehicles, as set out in the report, be approved.

Reasons for Recommendation

To ensure fleet vehicles were replaced in line with the capital fleet replacement

programme.

Alternative Options and Reasons for Rejection

Replacement of vehicles by way of finance lease arrangements was not considered to offer good value to the Council and reduced the scope for flexibility concerning how vehicles were managed throughout the course of their anticipated life; in particular, where vehicles may require releasing from the leasing agreement prior to their natural end date. In addition, some of the lease companies had charged the Council considerable amounts of money when they were unhappy with the condition vehicles were returned in. This increased the cost of leasing considerably to the Council.

Vehicle replacements proposed in the report were diesel (combustion) engine powered; in particular, as alternative electric (EV) or ultra-low emission (ULEV) vehicle options were not available in this vehicle class and weight range. Vehicles proposed met current highest Euro-VI emission standards and were fitted with electric bin hoists which further reduced engine emissions and were able to operate on HVO (Hydrated Vegetable Oil) offering 60% (approx.) reduced tail-pipe emissions.