Mid Devon District Council has joined up with Exeter City Council and national provider Specialist Fleet Services Ltd (SFS) to secure a new contract for all its vehicles for the next seven years.

It is the first time the two authorities have worked together to provide the service with SFS and now means the Council no longer has to purchase its vehicles outright or face unpredictable maintenance costs.

Instead the Council now has a seven year agreement which secures the provision and maintenance of around 210 vehicles and a better working partnership with a neighbouring authority.

The benefits to the Council include fixed maintenance costs, improved response times for vehicle breakdowns and an out of hours service which ensures more vehicles can stay on the road and be utilised by the crews.

Stuart Noyce, Group Manager, Street Scene and Open Spaces at Mid-Devon District Council:

“Previously we purchased our vehicles outright and outsourced the maintenance from a number of suppliers. The contract with SFS is not only better value for money but a better service. We have a fixed price with no unexpected costs, which is much better for budgeting, and one point of contact for all our maintenance needs. There are many additional advantages as a result of this increased harmonisation with Exeter City Council such as the ability to share equipment, carry out joint training and use each other’s depots to park vehicles.”

SFS will provide a range of vehicles including refuse collection lorries, recycling vehicles, sweepers, hook loaders, tippers, vans, cars, telehandlers and grounds maintenance equipment. The new fleet will include a number of electric vans and cars, and the refuse vehicles will be fitted with the latest safety features.

SFS has appointed local suppliers, Trucksmith Ltd and Masons Kings Ltd to support the provision of maintenance services for Mid Devon’s contract while SHB Hire Ltd and Masons Kings Ltd will be supporting the Exeter element of the contract.

Cllr Bob Deed, Leader of Mid Devon District Council, said:

“As a small council, in terms of population size, our buying power is sometimes limited but by working together with our neighbours and utilising national resources we can provide a better and more reliable service at a reduced cost. This in turn will release funds for other services which will benefit our customers.”