Agenda item

The Committee considered the Fleet Management report and received an update on vehicle replacement, emissions compliance, damage costs and driver performance. Members were informed that the Council operated a diverse fleet of around 295 vehicles, and that replacing ageing vehicles remained challenging, particularly where electrification was limited by cost and the availability of charging infrastructure.

It was reported that electric refuse collection vehicles continued to be significantly more expensive than diesel alternatives, with limited grant funding available for heavier and specialist vehicles. As a result, 26 older vehicles remained in operation and were incurring Ultra Low Emission Zone (ULEZ) charges of between £6,500 and £8,000 per month, alongside higher maintenance and hire costs. Members were advised that no scrappage scheme had been made available to local authorities following the ULEZ expansion, and that the Council had been required to meet these costs directly, despite an unsuccessful legal challenge. With the procurement of new compliant diesel vehicles underway, these ULEZ charges were expected to cease later in the year.

Members referred to discussion on YouTube regarding fleet costs and queried whether the reported £800,000 annual vehicle damage cost indicated poor performance. Officers explained that around half of this figure related to third?party insurance claims, with the remainder reflecting direct vehicle damage. When benchmarked against other councils operating similar fleets in dense urban environments, costs were described as broadly comparable. It was noted that the fleet regularly operated in narrow residential streets and constrained layouts, increasing the risk of damage.

The Committee was advised that a range of measures was in place to manage and reduce damage costs. These included mandatory driver assessments linked to operator licence requirements, telematics?based monitoring of driving behaviour, targeted feedback and training, and escalation where repeated incidents occurred. Although these measures had led to reductions in previous years, damage costs had remained broadly stable at around £800,000 per annum over the last three years.

To strengthen accountability, Members were informed that from 1 April 2026, vehicle damage costs would be recharged monthly to service areas. This was described as a trial aimed at increasing cost awareness and supporting further reductions.

Members acknowledged the complexity of managing a large municipal fleet and recognised that, while driver behaviour was a factor, the operating environment itself presented unavoidable challenges. Questions were raised about whether environmental factors and route design were being considered alongside driver performance. Officers confirmed that route reviews, smaller vehicle specifications and alternative collection methods were being explored to reduce risk in constrained streets.

Members were also advised that trials of electric refuse vehicles and sweepers had shown positive results in terms of range, noise reduction and drivability. However, infrastructure limitations and capital costs remained the main barriers to wider adoption in the short term. In the interim, a decision had been taken to procure 32 new emissions?compliant diesel vehicles to reduce operational risk and running costs.

An update was provided on vehicle tracking, with 65% of the fleet currently fitted, and full rollout expected by summer 2026.

RESOLVED: That the noted the contents of the report.