Luton Council is modernising its waste and recycling service with the purchase of 10 new refuse collection vehicles, replacing older lorries in its fleet.
Funded through the council’s capital replacement programme, the vehicles are intended to improve the reliability of collections, cut maintenance needs and support efforts to reduce carbon emissions.
They include 360-degree cameras, CCTV and radar that can detect people up to seven metres behind when reversing. They are also slightly narrower and shorter than the vehicles they replace, making them easier to manoeuvre on Luton’s streets.
The lorries run on hydrotreated vegetable oil, a renewable diesel alternative, and have an ECO pump system that lets the bin lifter operate at engine idle, reducing fuel use and emissions.
Cllr Steve Stephens, Portfolio Holder for Neighbourhood Services at Luton Council, said the investment would reduce the risk of disruption caused by breakdowns.
Some vehicles are already in service on main collection rounds. The council plans to replace its remaining ageing lorries, with those vehicles expected next year.
Photo: Cllr Stephens with a new RCV © Luton Council
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