The central London local authority is responsible for 15 thousand gullies and drains needing regular upkeep and maintenance to prevent flooding and keep the city moving. No easy task with autumn causing more adverse weather.

As a result, road debris, litter or fallen leaves from the city’s 19,000 trees can cause these gullies to block. It falls to Westminster and its partner’s fleet of gully vehicles to ensure these are kept clear.

The cleaning crew use high-powered water jets in the gully to remove any stubborn debris. Following this, they use suction hoses to remove any excess grime. While the gully is being cleaned, the crew will also inspect it for any signs of damage. This could include cracks, corrosion, or loose parts. Any issues will be noted, and repairs will be made as necessary to ensure the gully is functioning properly.

The latest addition to the fleet now includes an all-electric version. With a range of 250km, it works in the exact same way as its diesel-fuelled counterparts but is far quieter. This makes it more suitable for inner city street cleaning or at night following the clean-up of some of London’s biggest events such as Pride or the London Marathon. The low maintenance truck also requires less servicing and repairs allowing it to stay out working for longer.

Cllr Paul Dimoldenberg, cabinet member for City Management and Air Quality said: ‘As the nights draw in and the weather becomes noticeably more wintery, it’s no easy task to make sure all of Westminster’s gullies and drains stay clear of debris and flood free.

‘These teams and their hard work often go behind the scenes to keep the city moving throughout the year. It’s great to see this all-new electric vehicle covering the many miles of roads in Westminster and these vehicles are a step in the right direction to meet our net zero targets.’

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