A contract for the supply and delivery of a ‘narrow track’ refuse collection vehicle will go before Renfrewshire elected members this week.
They will be asked to approve awarding the agreement – worth £220,698 excluding VAT – to manufacturer Dennis Eagle at the council’s finance, resources and customer services policy board on Thursday.
It comes after the local authority tested one of the lorries and its ability to enter tighter streets and others where there might be issues because of parked cars and various obstructions in October.
During the trial, the 18-tonne machine demonstrated it was able to access properties, where such difficulties exist, better than the council’s 26-tonne vehicles.
It has since made progress with the procurement process and is looking for the go ahead from councillors to add one of the vehicles to its fleet.
Councillor Eddie Devine, who represents Paisley Southeast, said: “I think it’s a good move. There are different areas in Paisley which were not built for the amount of cars we’ve got there now.
“I tend to hear from a lot of people on bin days who haven’t had their bin emptied because the big trucks we’ve got can’t get round the wee streets. In some instances, there can be very little room. This will be good for the workers trying to get through and obviously also for the residents getting their bin collected.”
A report to the board said Dennis Eagle has confirmed delivery of the vehicle will be made 28 to 30 weeks from receipt of the purchase order. It will be dropped off at fleet services in Underwood Road, Paisley.
The cost will be funded from the environment, housing and infrastructure capital budget allocation for the vehicle replacement programme.
Councillor Stephen Burns, an SNP representative for Paisley Southwest, said: “I’m delighted to see a contract award coming forward for a narrow track refuse collection vehicle.
“As I’ve said in the past, there are some problem areas across Renfrewshire when it comes to narrow streets and the amount of parked cars.
“It’s clear this vehicle enjoyed some success during the trial period and has been identified as a potential solution. Hopefully it will help the council address issues that are caused by restricted access and limit the number of delayed collections.”
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