SafeGroup is investing in innovative hybrid cleaning and waste collection vehicles in a drive to make its services more responsive and sustainable for customers.
The new service crossover vans combine a rigid 14yd3 tipping container for waste collection and disposal with two separate storage pods for cleaning equipment and materials.
The configuration is helping specialist cleaning, decontamination and waste services provider SafeGroup to deliver all its main waste and cleaning services from one vehicle.
The innovation is part of a wider modernisation programme that has seen SafeGroup invest over £300,000 in 2021, so far, as it also renews its fleet of specialist cleaning vans.
SafeGroup Head of Operations Wayne Basham said: “We are constantly looking at ways to add value to our services, making them more productive, flexible, and sustainable.
“Our fleet investment programme reflects that approach. The new hybrid vehicles makes it easier for our teams to deliver all our key services from one vehicle in one visit, or to respond rapidly to any emergency.
“We are responding to customer requests for us to provide first time fixes for waste and cleaning challenges while reducing vehicle mileages which will reduce their supply chain’s carbon footprint.”
SafeGroup has added hybrid vans with both IVECO and ISISU 3.5t chassis to its fleet. The company has selected British-made Vauxhall Vivaro panel vans for its bespoke specialist cleaning fleet.
The new hybrid vans will operate across SafeGroup’s national depot, with technicians first undergoing independent driving and technical training, in line with SafeGroup’s high health and safety standards.
All the vehicles are fitted with the latest vehicle tracking systems to support safe driving and allow SafeGroup to provide customers with real-time information on service delivery.
Technician Jonathan Cooke is operating one of the new hybrid vans throughout the North West of England. He said: “It’s a great vehicle and I’m already enjoying using it.
“Having all equipment to hand saves a lot of time. We base our reputation on fast response to emergency call-outs and providing one safe solution and these vehicles help us deliver on that promise.”
Chris Wakeling, a Senior Technician in the South West of England, said: “Using the hybrid van I can do a waste collection job in the morning and responding straight away to a fire or flood clean in the afternoon.
“Like our customers, SafeGroup wants its services to have as low as possible impact on the environment in terms of carbon footprint and it’s good to know my new vehicle is helping achieve that.”