Four dual purpose vehicles have arrived in Ceredigion. They will perform both general highway maintenance tasks and convert to gritters to perform winter maintenance activities as and when required.
Ceredigion County Council’s Highways and Environmental Services has recently taken delivery of four new vehicles installed with state of the art equipment and software systems to monitor and aid activities.
Councillor Dafydd Edwards, Cabinet Member with responsibility for Highways and Environmental Services said, “In order to gain maximum efficiency for both the highway and winter maintenance fleets for the immediate future, we have procured these dual purpose vehicles through reserves saved up over many years. Known as unibodies, these are capable of carrying out general highway maintenance works during the summer, along with gritting and snow ploughing activities during the winter.”
Efficiencies in modern engine technology will improve fuel efficiency, reduce maintenance costs and reduce C02 emissions reducing Ceredigion’s contribution to climate change.
Councillor Edwards continued, “These vehicles will enhance the Council’s capability to provide an effective winter maintenance service ensuring that the strategic route network is kept clear of ice and snow allowing the economy to continue functioning, securing access to educational facilities, commerce, health and industry and the rural community.”
The vehicles are bespoke to the highway network of Ceredigion and are manufactured by Econ Engineering Ltd who are the UK’s largest manufacturer of gritters and salt spreading vehicles.
Councillor Edwards concluded, “These four vehicles replace ageing ones in the fleet that were used for much longer than we normally would. They will ensure the safety of our workforce, reduce contribution to climate change, provide the latest in technology and an efficient service for various purposes in Ceredigion.”
Image: Ian Williams, Technical Assistant; Sue Darnbrook, Corporate Director; and Rhodri Llwyd, Corporate Lead Officer – Highways and Environmental Services with two of the new vehicles.
03/07/2018