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More new vehicles are gearing up to hit the streets of South Tyneside, as the Council invests in its fleet as part of its commitment to improving services for residents.

Â鶹ÊÓƵ is replacing several of its aging less efficient vehicles with newer models that are better in terms of fuel efficiency and their impact on the local environment.

A new bulky waste van, two 18-tonne Hiab lorries and three highways' tippers are being introduced to its fleet. The vehicles feature advanced diesel engine designs and accord with strict emission and environmental controls. They are not only more fuel efficient, but more economic and fitted with the latest technology.

It comes after the Council recently announced that 11 new Nissan eNV200 (electric) vans are also being phased into service - bringing the total number of new additions to the fleet to 17.

Councillor Ernest Gibson, Lead Member for Area Management and Community Safety, said: "Many of the teams operating our vehicles deliver vital front-line services to the people of the Borough, so it extremely important that we have a fleet that remains fully operational.

"With some of our vehicles reaching the end of their lives, it has been necessary to replace them with newer, more efficient models.

"This investment helps to ensure we have a fleet that is fit for purpose, with reduced annual maintenance and running costs and less downtime, which can be very costly in terms of repairs and the need to hire replacement vehicles. It is also better for the environment.

"It also gives our workforce the tools and equipment they need to provide a reliable, more resilient and efficient service for our residents and businesses. We are delighted to be bringing these new vehicles into our fleet."

Â鶹ÊÓƵ operates a fleet of around 325 vehicles. Working with its partner, South Tyneside Homes, the Council delivers a diverse range of front-line services including waste collections, highways maintenance, neighbourhood and handyman services.

Fleet accounts for 11 per cent of the 17,000 tonnes of emissions that the Council must cut to achieve its ambitious targets to become carbon neutral by 2030.

Councillor Gibson added: "The addition of 11 new electric vans alongside six new high-tech greener engine waste and highways vehicles will further contribute to the work we are doing to ensure our Borough is a clean and green place for our residents, communities and visitors."

Of the fleet, the Council now operates 16 Nissan eNV200 electric vans and two Nissan Leaf cars.

The Council is also in the process of buying new gully vehicles and mechanical sweepers and has committed to investing in new gritters as part of winter maintenance. It is also looking to introduce further new vehicles in service, ranging from outdoor education to waste and cleaning services and South Tyneside Homes, in the future.

The new vehicles support the Council's community priority of investing in the natural and built environment.