A new fleet of refuse vehicles should pave the way for more reliable refuse collections, Braintree Council is hoping.

The arrival of five new trucks, leased from Riverside Truck Rental Ltd, comes after rats were blamed for disruptions to collections over Christmas and the New Year.

Rodents chewed through wiring, causing three vehicle break downs, while there were also further breakdowns when spare vehicles were drafted in.

 

Councillor Robert Mitchell, deputy cabinet member for Place, said: “Our refuse collection vehicles are out on the roads eight hours a day, five days a week, in all weathers and road conditions.
“Continued investment is necessary to ensure these trucks, which every home in the district relies on, remain reliable and efficient to run.

“Having introduced six similar vehicles 18 months ago, we  are pleased to welcome more vehicle replacements, especially since they are quieter in operation and have proved even more fuel efficient than expected, in the hands of our drivers."