One South Ayrshire Council’s vehicles being fully checked and serviced prior to going back out on the road in South Ayrshire.
South Ayrshire Council has made the shortlist for the national APSE Service Awards 2010 in the Public/Private Partnership category.
The Council has taken an innovative partnership approach to fleet management by forging a partnership with local company Kerr & Smith.
The partnership was entered into following an internal review of the Council's procurement and maintenance of vehicles in 2007. With nearly 1,000 vehicles used by services grounds maintenance, roads, schools and home care our needs are diverse, the review showed that the best way forward was a hybrid approach of contract hire and lease arrangements with outsourced maintenance.
Councillor Bill McIntosh, Leader of the Council said: "I am delighted that we have been shortlisted for the APSE Service Awards 2010 and congratulate everyone involved in making it such a success.
"We needed a new modern approach to our fleet management. The Council facilities we had were originally designed to cope with 30 bin lorries, while our throughput had grown to around 400 vehicles. The partnership with Kerr & Smith was the ideal solution.
"The partnership has led to improved service delivery, better performance, cost efficiencies and it is more environmentally friendly.
"As part of our partnership arrangement Kerr & Smith has leased a workshop from the Council, which it uses in addition to its own extensive facilities. As a result, the council now benefits from additional rental income from the company.
"The partnership is working well and is a good example of what can be achieved when you dare to be different and implement a new system."
The new arrangement proved particularly beneficial during the winter. The Council and Kerr & Smith worked round the clock to ensure essential vehicles were maintained and out on the streets in minimal turnaround times, helping maintain public safety in some of the most challenging weather conditions faced in years.
Paul Kerr Service Director at Kerr & Smith said: "We are delighted to be part of an innovative partnership between private and public sector bodies which has brought improved services within the region. It is a testament to our working relationship that during one of the worst winters in 20 years we worked together to ensure their was no break in services."
In the first 12 months of the partnership, achievements included: younger fleet; reduced carbon footprint; reduced costs; reduced risk; improved safety; more flexible service; increased availability of service; access to modern equipment and practices and job enrichment for staff.
Councillor Peter Convery, Sustainability and Environment Portfolio Holder said: "Modern, efficient, low emission vehicles are helping us to protect the environment and reduce the Council's carbon footprint.
"I know firsthand how well the partnership is working having spent time with employees who were gritting our roads during the winter and saw how well the vehicles were being maintained. Residents of South Ayrshire are benefiting from the flexibility that this partnership is giving us with our vehicles.
"It is a worthy finalist for this award and i hope it goes on to take the top spot."
The APSE'S Annual Dinner will take place at the National Seminar and Exhibition in Derry in September 2010, when award presentations will be made.