A NEW fleet of eco-friendly vehicles is set to take over waste collection in Warrington.

Warrington Borough Council has invested about £4 million of capital funding in 24 new waste collection vehicles to replace most of the current ones.

The new fleet will collect general household rubbish, recycling and green waste from 94,000 properties and 560 trade clients across the borough.

They will provide improved safety for the driver, crew and members of the public.

Each vehicle features low entry cabs, 360 degree CCTV cameras, an LED and audible warning system for cyclists and an in-cab screen for drivers to monitor any potential hazards in the blind spot.

The initial wave of six Dennis Eagle vehicles arrived in December, with the rest to follow in groups of six until the entire fleet is in operation by April 2020.

Cllr Judith Guthrie, executive board member for environment and public protection, said: “This is a significant investment in front line services, demonstrating the council’s ambition to hit key recycling targets which will make Warrington a cleaner and greener borough.

“Having a brand new, fit-for-purpose fleet that is fuel efficient, safer, and more economically friendly will mean our waste collection teams can hit the streets, confident that they will be able to provide residents with a reliable, consistent service.”

Three of the current vehicles will be retained, meaning the Council will have a 32 strong fleet in total to ensure capacity to meet service and back-up requirements.

For more information about the council’s waste services, visit their website.

To subscribe to the green waste collection service, due to start in March 2019, click here.