The council currently operates a pool of 40 leased vehicles, many of which are at or beyond the end of their contracts.

A new vehicle will also be added to support ‘blue light’ driver training, following updated guidance from the National Fire Chiefs Council on emergency vehicle operations.

The replacement vehicles will be procured in phases, costing around £50,000 each, bringing the total capital spend to £2.05m.

Extending the existing leases was considered but ruled out. According to a council report, this would ‘place additional burdens on revenue budgets through higher maintenance costs and potential failures of emergency vehicles.’

Funding will come from the Fleet Capital Replacement budget, with procurement managed via the Crown Commercial Service framework.

Sign up here to receive our free weekly news bulletin and quarterly e-book.