Kier's environmental services business is to be one of the first in the country to roll out a fleet of dust-free road sweepers after a successful pilot with a number of local authorities.

After intensive trials in urban and rural environments, the high-tech sweepers have proven to be a versatile and efficient alternative to many traditional mechanical road sweeping models, being cheaper to run, quieter, and close to 100% dust free, making them more environmentally friendly.

Designed by Italian firm Dulevo, they have special fabric filters making them 99.9% emission-free in terms of particles. Unlike many models they can also sweep without the use of water, saving a valuable resource. Kier's environmental business is the first municipal contractor in the UK to introduce these dust-free sweepers across its fleet and highlights the company's continued commitment to reducing its carbon footprint and its investment in advanced technology to deliver its services.

The “green” sweepers are helping UK villages, towns and cities to reach European legal standards for air quality, cleaning the air as they work. And they are also the healthier option.

PM10 emissions have been shown to have adverse effects on human health, by damaging lung tissue and harming breathing and respiratory systems. Research in London commissioned by the Mayor's office has even suggested that poor air quality contributes to an equivalent of around 4,300 premature deaths a year in the capital.

This type of sweeper is extremely quiet, reducing inconvenience for both staff and the public and enabling them to operate at night. As the machines do not use water, more detritus and litter can be collected per journey, reducing overall fuel costs for local authorities and providing a greener service.

Kier's business development director, Mark Hogan, said: “Following the successful pilot projects I am delighted that the Dulevo sweepers are being rolled out across the country as part of a wider programme of environmental measures.

“The new sweepers are having a positive impact on the environment, as well as helping to save local authorities money during a period of unprecedented public sector cuts.”

The vehicles now form an effective part of Kier's municipal environmental services fleets across the UK.