COUNCIL bosses have approved a multi-million pound programme to replace 28 key vehicles on its fleet - while almost 100 more are set to be swapped by the end of next year.
Included in the package are refuse trucks, gritters, highways vehicles and buses.
According to a report - which went before ruling cabinet members on Wednesday - the replacement scheme has been deemed ‘vital’ to maintain waste collection, road maintenance and public transport services across the borough.
The replacements come as the current vehicle leases expire during this fiscal year and an earlier procurement process is necessary due to long lead times for delivery.
The scheme consists of eight refuse collection vehicles used for household waste pick-up, three ride-on rotary sweepers to clean streets and public areas, four light commercial vehicles for general maintenance tasks and two specialised service vehicles equipped for specific jobs such as green waste collection and street cleaning.
It will cost a total of £4m, according to the report.
It added: “The council’s fleet is vital for the delivery of a myriad of services across the borough.
“Without these, the council would not be able to deliver services such as waste collection, highway maintenance or maintenance of our green spaces.
“In the 2025/26 fiscal year, the leases of 126 fleet assets will expire and 28 vehicles require the approval in this interim programme.
“These replacement assets require replacing due to their age, business critical nature and long lead times.
“The remaining 98 vehicles will be considered as part of the revised fleet strategy later in the year.
“New vehicles will all meet the latest emissions standards - this offers
significant benefits.
“Firstly, it greatly reduces harmful emissions like nitrogen oxides, carbon monoxide, and particulate matter, contributing to improved air quality and public health.
“This is particularly important in urban areas with high pollution levels.
“Secondly, newer vehicles are generally more fuel-efficient, leading to lower fuel costs and reduced carbon dioxide emissions, which helps combat climate change.”
Recent evidence from the procurement of replacement vehicles and from monitoring the sector shows pronounced price increases, according to finance bosses.
The revised fleet strategy will ‘consider this pressure’ and determine the long-term plan to ensure
that the fleet remains ‘suitable for service delivery’ and remains within the allocated annually reviewed budget.
Matt O’Neill, executive director for growth and sustainability, said: “We all have a part to play in helping Barnsley to be net zero carbon as a council by 2040 and as a borough by 2045, protecting our area for future generations.
“By making greener choices in the vehicles we use as a council, we’re helping reduce carbon emissions and decrease our reliance on fossil fuels.
“We have faced unprecedented challenges such as increased costs and long delays for vehicles and parts.
“These replacements will help to ensure that the council is properly equipped to continue to deliver excellent services to the residents of Barnsley.”
