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Local authority chiefs in Coventry are using an eye-catching Mercedes Atego to take council services out into the community.
The strikingly-liveried Coventry Direct Express is a ‘one-stop shop’ that provides local people with information and advice on everything from housing and council tax benefits to noise complaints and pest control, and from bins and recycling to street cleaning and lighting.
The 12-tonne Atego chassis was supplied by Gerard Mann Commercials, Coventry, and has air suspension on both axles, air-conditioning and an uprated electrical system. The vehicle’s body was built by Paneltex, of Hull.
As well as a comfortable reception area, it is equipped with computers which residents can use to access the Internet and reserve library books, find out the locations of roadworks, pay their council tax or apply for a school place.
There are also work stations for up to three Coventry City Council advisors, who can help people to find out about other services.
Nearly 40 people boarded the vehicle on its first day in action, when it visited the districts of Radford, Holbrooks and Coundon. Councillor Heather Johnson, who is responsible for customer service, says: “These are early days for the service but the very encouraging response shows that we have taken a step in the right direction and are making it easier for people to contact the council in their local community.”
The Coventry Direct Express is on the road five days a week, and stops at three locations each day.
Coventry City Council Fleet Officer Chris Coyle explains: “We decided to build this new vehicle on a Mercedes chassis after positive experience with another 12-tonne Atego bought from Gerard Mann a year earlier and converted for use as a mobile library. We’re very pleased with both vehicles.”
Mercedes-Benz has now replaced Seddon Atkinson as the authority’s main commercial vehicle marque; indeed, it has also just taken delivery from Gerard Mann of 10 low-entry Econics’ all six-wheelers with mid-steer axles and Heil refuse bodies, six of which are on recycling duties.
The City Council now operates 17 Econics, representing roughly half of its refuse fleet. Mercedes-Benz will complete its conquest of the fleet with the arrivals of another 16 Econics, which the authority has just ordered.
Transport Engineer Steve Bullock confirms: “We now have a variety of Mercedes vehicles, including other Atego with demountable and hook-lift bodies. All have proved reliable and very competitive in terms of maintenance costs, but especially the Econics. And although we maintain the trucks in our own workshops, we also receive excellent parts back-up from Gerard Mann.” |
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