PROCUREMENT plans for a new fleet of vehicles in Neath Port Talbot have gone before a scrutiny committee this month, to discuss proposals for the council’s Vehicle and Heavy Plant Fleet Procurement Programme over the next three years.
The meeting saw members discuss the potential purchase of about 20 new vehicles such as waste and recycling carriers as well as plant equipment, all of which would potentially be hybrid or zero emission.
Council bosses in attendance heard how vehicles and plant listed in the report were reaching the end of their economic life, with replacements having a beneficial effect on both the environment and the productivity of the council.
The report read: “The preparation of the Vehicle and Plant Fleet Replacement Programme for 2023-24 has been undertaken by the Council’s Fleet section in consultation with user Directorates and Sections, including a review of current vehicle condition, serviceability and environmental position.
“Members are advised that running in parallel with this year’s procurement programme 2023/24 that a fleet cost and service efficiency exercise is being undertaken to ensure the forward investment plan for renewals reflects current and future service requirements and operational demands of the fleet.”
Options for procuring new vehicles could now include them being purchased outright, from Welsh Government grant funding, or via a prudential loan.
Members of the scrutiny committee in attendance asked for a further report to be discussed in the next six months, looking at the potential costs of the vehicles and the level of EV charging infrastructure required.
