North Northamptonshire Council looking at ways to replace its fleet of 340 vehicles
North Northamptonshire Council’s executive will be asked to approve the start of a procurement process for a new fleet of vehicles at its meeting next week.
To ensure provision of services past September 2027, the council says it needs to start the process now with plans being put in place to see 340 vehicles replaced.
The report outlines the options for the replacement of vehicles including whether to purchase or lease vehicles and the merits of internal combustion engine vs electric vehicles.
The report sets out a recommendation to proceed with the option of a mostly internal combustion engine fleet as it currently provides best value for money when compared with the infrastructure required and associated costs for electric vehicles.
The use of hydrogenated vegetable oil provides a suitable medium-term reduction in carbon emissions from day-to-day use.
Cllr Ken Harrington, the council’s executive member for assets, waste and environmental services, said: “To ensure our vital and important services are able to run past September 2027, including waste collections and housing maintenance services, we must now start the process of procuring a new fleet of vehicles.
"As part of this process, we will be looking at all options - including whether to buy or lease vehicles and which engine option provides best value for money for residents."
Council leader Cllr Martin Griffiths said: “Our council area covers nearly 400 square miles and it is important that we have a reliable fleet of vehicles to provide essential services to our residents and communities across the whole of the North Northamptonshire area.
"This report details the options considered and set out recommendations for the council’s executive.”
A final decision around the future council fleet will be brought back to executive at a later date.
North Northamptonshire Council’s executive will meet at the Corby Cube on Tuesday, November November at 10am.
The meeting will be livestreamed on YouTube and the papers, which say they will be seeking permission to progress with the procurement of a contract over £500,000 per year, are now available online.