19th November 2009

UK Drainage Network is nearing the end of a large scale upgrade of its fleet, in order to maintain its first rate service delivery and leading implementation of technology. In the last 6 months over 60 vehicles have been replaced, and a further 10 will follow in the opening months of 2010.

The move may seem bold to some within the industry as harsh economic times are still a prominent feature in the business landscape, but UKDN has not deserted its drive to operate industry leading technology and equipment.

The new vehicles arrive as part of months of planning and discussion. In early 2009, UKDN started working with ‘Logical Vehicle Management’ to modernise its fleet and implement new technologies to ensure the optimum running condition for all its vehicles.

The new vehicles have the very latest telematics systems installed to ensure that the operational effectiveness of the fleet deployment is optimised. Furthermore, Logical Vehicle Management has ensured that all UKDN vans will have the very latest Accident Management and vehicle replacement services included. This means that the fleet will always be fully operational in the event of breakdown or accident.

Saul Parsonson, Managing Director of Logical Vehicle Management said, “It was quite clear during the early stages of our review that one of UKDN’s primary objectives was to build the very best fleet capability for their business. They were also very keen to ensure we undertook a thorough review of how best these should be equipped with the very latest technologies and systems so that their business can be at the forefront of service excellence in their market”

Parsonson continued, “We manage a number of fleet operations across the UK, and there is no doubt that UKDN’s fleet now has class leading capability. Their investment illustrates the fundamental business objective of ensuring optimum customer service through ‘best in class’ deployment technology, all new vans, installed with the latest equipment, allied to counter measures that will ensure if anything does go wrong through accident or breakdown, that the fall back position is available without any impact on service delivery.”

The mix of new vehicles boasts an impressive and varying line up including 29 Ford Transit 350 LWB Tdci HRoof and 18 Ford Transit Dropsides (with further Transit High roof’s and Dropsides arriving in early 2010). These have been supplemented with smaller vans including the Peugeot Bipper and Ford Transit Connect.

Richard Thomas, UKDN Director said of the fleet changes, “We have invested in replacing over 50% of our service vehicles to remove vans from the fleet that were coming to the end of there reliable service life.”

He outlined, “The new vans will allow us to continue giving our customer the fast, punctual and reliable service that they have come to expect from UKDN. The reliability of having a new a modern fleet allows us to programme our work scheduling diary's with confidence.”

“Having a modern fleet also helps us reduce our Carbon Footprint, which is important to UKDN in these eco-conscious times,” he concluded.

UKDN and Logical Fleet Management are working together over the coming months to insure the completion of the roll out is a success and that the vehicles already in service are performing to their expected high standards.